Finding hope in a time of crisis
The lockdown forced millions of people to stay at home, mostly watching television. People were inundated with cognitive surplus. In November 2006, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was perhaps the first public figure to ask, “Why is the media in India so negative? There are millions of achievements, but our media is only obsessed in the bad news and failures and disasters.” The glee with which the media played images of stranded workers on the roads and showed irresponsible members of a religious congregation, often repeated in loop with harrowing background music was appalling.
Illiteracy, unemployment, dogmatism and lack of civic sense is not something restricted to one region, group or community. Media has the tremendous power to amplify and convert a picture into a perception by etching it upon the collective consciousness. The nation withstood all these naysayers and prophets of doom. The coronavirus remained in Stage-2. All migrant workers reached home, properly quarantined, did not spread contagion and the poor endured their hardships bravely. We also must not forget the pain of those who lost their wealth in the stock market.
Last week, I read a beautiful book ‘The Art of Stillness’ by Pico Iyer (b. 1957), a British-born novelist of Indian origin. Famous for his travel books, he spends part of each year in a Benedictine hermitage in California and spends 90 per cent of his time sitting in his home and writing. I was struck by his observation, “Life is about joyful participation in a world of sorrows. Everyone dies, nothing lasts, grief of some kind comes to us all; but that’s precisely why everything matters, and we can wake up to the joy and beauty that’s around us right now.”
So, I tried to see what could be positive in the calamity that the coronavirus has brought upon humanity. Pico’s book resonated with me for I have always believed that more than our circumstances, it is our reaction to the circumstances that defines our lives. Many children are born in poverty; one becomes Abdul Kalam, and another becomes Narendra Modi. Many children born with silver spoons in their mouth end up bankrupt, in jails and even taking their own lives.
There is a beautiful Buddhist story told to me by my friend Dr Kyaw Myint, the erstwhile Health Minister of Myanmar. A young man was rowing his boat vigorously up the mighty Irrawaddy River. It was a hot day, and he was sweating with exertion. Suddenly, he saw another boat coming against his boat downstream. He rowed furiously to get out of the way shouting profusely at the other boat to change direction! But the other boat eventually hit his boat with a violent thud. Upset and angry, when this man glared into the other boat to beat his offender, he realized that there was no one in the boat. He had been screaming at an empty boat that had broken free of its moorings and was floating downstream in the river.
We have no control over how the coronavirus got unleashed in Wuhan, China. It arrived in India through multiple people, including many celebrities and influential people in society who mindlessly spread it before a large-scale contamination carrier had been properly identified. It created a grave public health crisis. Unfortunately, I did not hear any healing voice, coming from anywhere. Instead of calling what is wrong as wrong and correcting it, people quickly took pole positions stressing already existing fault lines in our society.
Mahatma Gandhi is called the father of the Indian nation not as per some title bestowed upon him by the government, but because the collective consciousness of the nation believes him to be so. Gandhiji famously said, “The enemy is fear. We think it is hate; but it is really fear. Hate the sin and not the sinner.” Goswami Tulsidas prayed to God to be saved from doubts and arguments, संशयसर्पग्रसनउरगादः। शमनसुकर्कशतर्कविषाद:, to devour the serpent of doubt, the queller of despair induced by heated controversy, may God ever protect us, (Ramcharitmanas, Aranya Kanda, Doha 11, Chaupai 9)
The images of migrant laborers walking on roads with their families was a shame on the system. These people were not beggars; they were the underbelly of the city who were toiling to make the lives of city people comfortable. The least the system can do is to ensure that when they return, they are given the dignity of their existence and social security. We have not yet struck out the world ‘socialism’ from our Constitution. Why cherry pick some other words to create a ruckus and leave this one conveniently alone?
India is a great nation. Nowhere in the world are more than 1 billion people living in harmony, enjoying political freedom and the basic necessities provided by the state. The media should have also shown how in China, the coronavirus-infected people were picked up from their homes and thrown into vans like animals, how people quarreled in grocery stores in the United States, and how curfew violators were fined 10,000 riyals in Saudi Arabia. None of this happened in India. Lakhs of people were fed by volunteers and rations were delivered in hutments.
We will have to live the rest of our lives by a new set of normal. Public health is a product of community health and personal health. We must live simpler lives, spend time with our families, eat home food, and respect and care for the poor who leave their homes in the villages to make our lives in the cities a little better. In no other country can middle-class families afford cooks, maids, drivers, private tutors, and watchmen. Most of them are migrants.
Dr. Kalam said it so profoundly, “India must stand up to the world and act like the country of a billion people living together for over two millennia. Countries of a few million assembled in the last few hundred years can’t decide the destiny of a great civilization.” Let us see in the three colors of our national flag, these three messages – empower and not endanger each other, adjust and not get angry, and take care of the poor and the weak who are the real foundation of all our conveniences and comforts.
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Well-said. Rather than trying to mourn over losses, we need to see the silver lining in every cloud. Gradually, every cloud brings transformation. “So, I tried to see what could be positive in the calamity that the coronavirus has brought upon humanity.” This should be an advise to our media also. It would bring more communal healing, if they perpetuated positivity in the midst of trials.
Another aspect, ‘India is a great nation. Nowhere in the world are more than 1 billion people living in harmony, enjoying political freedom and the basic necessities provided by the state.’ Yes, the greatness of the Indian nation is beyond description. But what hurts is, that international media has never seen anything beyond slum-life, and starving population in the metropolitan cities of India when the fact is that there are more people starving in their countries than in India. The responsibility to correct this situation rests with the Indian media.
Dear Arun, your blog “Finding Hope at the time of crisis” is a wonderfully thought provoking, very timely and like fresh air in present environment. Cudos to you for talking about it when all the discussion is on Covid 19 stats. Retaining positivity is what will take us through these difficult time. I never met Dr Kalam but I have always idolised him for his humility, positivity and the capacity to motivate young people.
Remaining positive is difficult but one does ask oneself questions like why do we have a Dharavi in Mumbai when mass affordable housing can solve the problems for ever in few years ? why in last few months have we not pooled all the talent and labs with generous funding to start a mission to find a vaccine ?, why have we not become factory of the world for PPEs and equipment with so much of entrepreneurial talent and technical competencies ? (we had a head start as we are known to be the pharmacy of the world). The list goes on…….
Dear Uncle, It’s always a good feeling to read your views. For me personally, I am using lockdown as a testing lab to test my “Antifragility” (term derived from book called Antifragile written by Nassim Nicholas Taleb). It describes Antifragility as a property of systems that increase in capability to thrive as a result of stressors, shocks, volatility, noise, mistakes, faults, attacks, or failures. I believe I was always Antifragile but the current unprecedented situation has given me unique opportunity to test the same into practice on different fronts e.g. on my work front, lifestyle etc. Also I am doing my bit by taking couple of initiatives to feed the hungry and families in need (last mile who were not covered by government or NGOs etc.). I am very positive and optimistic that this country of billion+ will come out strong of the current situation and will also recover at faster pace. And yes true it’s been long time that I have stopped watching news on TV as it’s full of negativity and bias news. Nowadays they are more of daily soap operas targeting higher TRPs. Rather I prefer reading news in print and digital form. The current situation is such that it’s hard to get accurate picture but with available stats in public domain, India is doing much better as compared to other countries in the world and I hope that with ongoing lockdown we can have fine balance between live and livelihood. As on one hand we want to save precious lives, but on other hand more people may die or suffer due to economic crises (if situation worsens). God bless India.
The current lockdown I guess has helped in unlocking the various myths we all have been carrying along with us about life in general and the importance of Nature. I always believe that the Laws of Nature chose subtle ways for one to realize the growing levels of negativity in the Society, unrealistic demands for growth and commercialization and many more. Well, when subtle responses are not understood we end up with Tsunamis’, earthquakes, floods and pandemics.
It’s been exactly a month since the lockdown. The world has been gripped with the corona pandemic and its effects on human life. We suddenly realized that staying home, eating homely food, spending time with family, taking care of parents, enquiring welfare of others as virtues. For people working from home they have been able to possibly continue with their work and for people who in general think of work as a burden or a favour that they do, must have realized the effect of time hanging on them heavily with no activity.
I think India has been doing a good job in the way they have handled the corona breakdown and though we are not out of it, the government (Centre and State) is actively involved in measures to contain the spread through this lockdown and by creating general awareness of the safety measures. I think we owe a lot to all the healthcare workers and medical fraternity for standing as a strength of pillar in this hour of crisis The Media in spite, of its sensationalization is still doing a decent job in trying to project a picture across the country of the spread and in trying to highlight the importance of the lockdown.
However, you will always continue to have the “intellectuals” trying to overanalyse every situation, comment on the lack of infrastructure and many other don’t have’s in the system. Developed countries with all their resources have been found wanting in their approach to deal with this crisis. India, in that regard has been fairly aggressive in taking decisions and has in fact emerged to lead the world in its fight against the spreading of Corona virus. The solution to deal with the problem is yet to emerge but I am confident that the Scientists (from all over the world working in unison) will deliver the much needed vaccine/medicine to fight this virus.
I completely agree with Prof Tiwari Sir that life is not going to be the same as it was before. But this lockdown should have taught us that the “needs of life” are simple and not as much as what we have been living pre-lockdown where the concentration has been on the “wants of life”. In a way I hope this pandemic will make a course correction of the way we live life henceforth. If all of us live life as per the needs then I am sure more will be available to serve the needy. As they say we all as a society should now elevate ourselves from the “art of taking” to the “art of giving”. Finally as Dr Kalam Sir envisaged it’s about time that we take a lead in showing the strength of one billion people working towards a more liveable healthy planet.
Dear Sir, I appreciate you for your concern towards the poor & for encouraging your readers to involve in charity. I assumed that you would praise our honourable PM Modi for his successful strategy to contain the coronavirus till today although the number of COVID patients are expected to increase to 34 lakhs & above by monsoon season. I also thought that you would mentioned about the huge number of migrants who died before reaching their homes. Thanks for introducing Pico Iyer’s book – I plan to buy it after the lockdown. I am pleasantly surprise that you wrote about the meaningful story of a man from Myanmar & his experiences in Errawady river. I agree with you that media should focus on the positive aspects.
Tiwariji, If only one per cent of those who read this illuminating writing pause to ponder, it will have more than served its purpose. A country rises in the comity of nations as a just and humane society by the strength of its people. I, we, us. If I just practice being a good citizen, everything else will fall into place. Just small things. I will not litter, I will not spit, I will not needlessly overtake or honk. I will stand in a queue, I will not discriminate. I will not take home what is not mine. I will not bribe. I will pay my taxes and I will practice relative honesty. Is this too much of a price to pay, individually? You have put it very well and summed it up beautifully with a quote by Dr Kalam. Having put in half a century in journalism, i still hope. Woh subah kabhi to ayegi!
Professor Tiwari, This is a wonderful example of the true meaning of being human. It is about compassion and enjoyment of the simple pleasures of life, whether found in nature or in people around us. Your words are needed at this time where many of the people in the world are now consumed by fear, their governments acting without empathy, and finally communities living without hope. The cycle of life is constant and unchanging. It is best, as you have correctly noted, to help those that suffer and simply be filled with wonder at how beautiful a sunrise can be or a smile from another person can bring.
Sir, another timely blog elucidating the current situation in India. This unprecendented situation is handled by different people differently, some are happily spending time with family and some are facing challenges for livelihood. I hope we will be safely out of this situation soon.
As far as media is concerned, most the of the media houses are concerned with only TRP ratings but project themselves as ambassadors of social service. The situation is so substandard they publish features and stories which they know are blatant lies, taking people granted. I am sure that this substandard and biased journalism will face its downfall and people will encourage only positive and responsible journalism.
I was afraid that COVID 19 could be a disease brought by rich men to India and majority of the brunt will be beared by poor people by getting infected and also due to economical situation arising out of lockdown but both central and state governments have done a great job in taking care of the needy. The situation was such that while trying to contain the disease, some other difficutly was rising but they were dealt in an efficient manner.
Some of the people never realise the political freedom – that you mentioned, this country has given us and how difficult it is in some of the other countries. I really liked where you mentioned the greatness of India and realised how middle class in India could afford cooks, maids etc which is not the scenario in other countries.
As you mentioned it is time to realize and help the poor and each one of us should do that. Some help may be monetary. Some may give food and others may give their time and skills. I hope all the celebrities sitting at home inspite of forwarding fitness and daily chore challenges can forward acts of social help albeit with safety precautions.
Helped your spouse – Good.
Understood how each other feel – Great
Understand how poor feel and help – Real deed.
I am reminded of this phrase by a school teacher.
It takes each of us to make a difference for all of us – Jackie Mutcheson.
In this time what I feel that this blog is like a silverlinning. “Finding hope in time of crisis”. Amazingly portrayed what is needed to be seen for all of us especially the Indian youths. Every day I see new inventions coming against COVID ranging for developing testing kits, Low cost PPEs, ventilators and most importantly how people are coming together to help needy people. The sense of nationalism can be seen in our action. The way we all accepted lockdown, the way our frontline workers are giving everything against this disease.
I live in Indore and yesterday one police man died because of corona as he infected in line of duty. For me he is my hero. He gave his life so that we stay in our home. I feel that COVID has given all of us a spark to give our country something. I must say whether a IAS officer, a IIT faculty or a simple health care staff or person who is doing the sanitization work. They all are contributing and I do hope that after all this we will give them enough respect to them. Today we are live and for this there are many unsung heroes who have given many things and best part is without even thinking about that they will get any award or anything. Dr kalam had vision of India’s 2020 and I feel that the work going in this time of crisis will surely made him proud where almost all Indian are thinking about every Indian people with the sense of unity, intelligence, hard work and most important honesty. I feel that after this India will become a world leader and will set a example for other countries. “JAAN BHI AUR JAHAN BHI”.
a great article to read. Amid this Coronavirus situation, I have learnt that its time to stop the blame game and become fully responsible for our actions. As said, media plays an important part in democracy and just showcasing negativity is not gonna help anyone. During this time we should highlight the jobs done by our health care workers, police and people working in essential service who are putting their life risks to save us. Its time to fulfil our fundamental duties and be responsible. Positivity and calmness are the key………..
A very nice reminder to look at the positive side of things as well. At the end of the day, its hope that keeps us all going. Talking about that, I would say that the digital media is also doing a great job in highlighting these acts of humanity during this crisis period. India is a nation built on the construct of DHARMA – I hope that situations like these take us back to our roots and we will emerge out as better human beings 🙂
Hope is what keeps us going. Despite all the negativity that gets thrown our way, it is crucial to remember that there is still some good in this World and it is worth fighting for. We have to part of the good and we will always become part of the solution. Crisis does not always build character, it sometimes reveals it. It is for us as a society to ensure to act in coherence with our timeless principle of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam
Excellent insights and positive outlook. There is little hope on print and eMedia to behave responsibly and drive towards overall good. They have failed miserably and as we find, the trust people have on them is also probably not that high any more. Excluding the junk that circulates on Social media, since the overall attitude of humans in general and Hindus/Indians in particular is overwhelmingly positive & unifying, we see decent amount of highlighting of Good that happens through this medium. The sooner the commercial media understands and learns, better it will be for their survival.
My favorite from this article was the below para.
“India is a great nation. Nowhere in the world are more than 1 billion people living in harmony, enjoying political freedom and the basic necessities provided by the state. The media should have also shown how in China, the coronavirus-infected people were picked up from their homes and thrown into vans like animals, how people quarreled in grocery stores in the United States, and how curfew violators were fined 10,000 riyals in Saudi Arabia. None of this happened in India. Lakhs of people were fed by volunteers and rations were delivered in hutments.”
So true..
Arun ji, great write up on positive way of coping with this crisis and respecting migrants and poor. Congratulations. I led the crisis when satyam fell and was running EMRI. Post-crisis, I became more positive, more humane, more humble and a keen learner. Thanks to the mentorship by Dr Kalam. Now I am using the time to do things which I liked but not doing g enough: spending with family, getting in touch with friends, Reading, seeing old movies etc., Thank you for the blog.
You have pointed out the two crucial areas that demand immediate attention and correction, Dr Tiwari.
The first is media credibility and responsibility – the need for them to report facts as it is. The need for neutrality: not overdoing one side, while underplaying the other. And definitely not toxicity guised as ‘Opinion’, which necessarily relies on cherry-picking both facts and figures.
Perhaps, public themselves will need to demand this from the media. Else, Nature will need to step in here also, to effect corrections in its own way!
2. The other thing you have made us think about is the plight of the cook, maids, watchmen, drivers.Since we can’t do without them, each one of us must try to make their lives easier – rather than expect NGOs or other agencies to do it.
In cities, we must actively participate in bettering their dwellings and facilities.
Villages also need to be made habitable with adequate education and health facilities — as also income-earning opportunities — so that people don’t need to travel far and wide for work.
Active citizenry is perhaps a solution to both these problems.
You have very well embedded hope in this time of crisis with your simple but thought provoking blog, Prof Tiwariji !
We have a mature civilization and the collective consciousness of nation will ensure that we will be successful in overcoming the present difficult situation in spite of some aberrations in responding to current circumstances…
Dear Arun, You said it perfectly “Media has the tremendous power to amplify and convert a picture into a perception by etching it upon the collective consciousness. I sincerely hope that media will start, sooner than later, etching upon the minds, especially of the ignored masses like migrant workers, the true meaning of democracy and the rights of each person in the nation. For, when those masses rise, we truly become a democracy. As you have mentioned, we must be thankful to them for they have endured all the hardships bravely, reaching home, not spreading contagion.
The article strikes a chord deeply with the image of Sikhs serving the underprivileged with all humbleness. Many instances have showcased Sikhs as epitome of service to humanity in need.
Grave situations divide the people into some as manifestations of God & Godliness and Providers and others as Receivers.
Real joy for the deprived is the glowing light of support & service from the humanity. Looking forward to the winning feeling to overcome this unexpected pandemic to our people . Glowing tributes flow as the thoughts are directed to our revered Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and his guidance. God Bless.
Hope that we would transit to a great future overcoming all this trauma and turmoil successfully, for sure.
I can totally resonate with the stress of negative reporting by media outlets. The story of the boat shared is so simple, effective and fits the current scenario. It makes one understand that calling someone at fault will not change anything. We are all in this together, so instead of creating fear among ourselves we should support each other and find a solution to our problems together.
Exactly Uncle, I agree media definitely should have shown how China, USA, Saudi are treating their people. Everything all over the world has changed drastically, but we should be hopeful amidst this crisis and should learn a lesson it teaches for the times to come.
Before and after COVID’19 happened to us,we fell asleep in one world, and woke up in another.
Suddenly Disney is out of magic,
Paris is no longer romantic,
New York doesn’t stand up anymore,
the Chinese wall is no longer a fortress, and Mecca is empty.
Hugs & kisses suddenly become weapons, and not visiting parents & friends becomes an act of love.
Suddenly you realise that power, beauty & money are worthless, and can’t get you the oxygen you’re fighting for.
The world continues its life and it is beautiful. It only puts humans in cages. I think it’s sending us a message:
“You are not necessary. The air, earth, water and sky without you are fine. When you come back, remember that you are my guests. Not my masters.”
Here’s wishing love and hope to all for the times to come ❤️❤️
As you rightly said we are happy to see negative news, spread negative reports rather than understanding the achievements of our society in these critical times. We quietly accepted and followed the rules of lockdown from one day to two weeks and another two weeks. The whole nation raised to the occasion and showed to the world that we are one forgetting different regions, religions casts, political alliances etc.
Yes there are some serious issues about migrant labour facing problems. When some decisions were taken for the benefit of the whole nation there will be some lapses in feeding lakhs of migrant workers. But an urgent need arises to act immediately to avoid a serious calamity. So many came forward and started feeding them, but a lot need to be done going forward to take care of them.
We can not blame the government for everything but should do our part as a responsible citizen. But it becomes a fashion to criticise every action or mistake of the government without any contribution from their side.
As you mentioned correctly we should do our part to avoid a law & order situation if they were not taken care. Though we cannot take care of all these people, we should be able to do whatever is possible till this crisis is over. Even after the crisis is over in view of the serious economic slowdown we all should be vigilant and respond if the similar situation arises.
The pursuit of happiness is very important, I agree. Today, the instinct to survive against all odds beat the desire to be happy is my guess. Finding hope in these times is as essential as portraying the truth so as to not misinform or mislead the public into believing that they can wait on the government for solutions. Thousands who can afford to stay put with resources and essentialities appreciate how the lockdown was implemented later than never but not that one hungry desperate family who walk 1000 miles to safety, for food and shelter.
Choosing to live in joy is possible only when the simple bare necessities of life come to us. Joseph Campbell’s quote “Participate joyfully in the sorrows of the world. We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy” holds good not for all, at all times.
Media houses not being able to keep themselves unsullied isn’t news to us. Many print media houses have been traditionally owned by specific political parties since their conception, aren’t they? Media owners with political links control a sizeable share of viewership/readership. Hence, media is selective, orchestrated and one-sided than negative.
The making of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam as the first citizen of India regardless of his political affiliation is something India can be proud about of its democracy. One billion people living in harmony as the world sees us is our pride. Hate crimes, mob violence, communal violence, religion-related terror, massacres and genocides continue to stare at us. No country will decide on our destiny unless and until we let them to. There is no need at all to stand up to the world but stand up for our fellow beings in need, right under our nose. Accusations drag us downhill. So, let us all do our bit as a citizen, family, neighbour or friend in encouraging one another to survive this ordeal. Faith, hope and charity are good enough to help us believe again and restore hope.
‘Make hay while the sun shines’ seems to be the wakeup call. Let not this pandemic serve anybody with any opportunity to enrich themselves at the cost of the exchequer. The country’s leadership must assure countrymen that the many kinds of cronies are here to help our country to survive the onslaught.
Prof. Tiwari – I love reading your blog as it is usually about the some current event affecting us. It is fear of contraction of virus that has unleashed unprecedented mayhem in every corner of the world. This virus doesn’t discriminate the rich versus poor, the powerful versus powerless, white versus black, upper caste versus lower caste, one religion versus another or developed versus developing nations. Just like all humans are equal before God, the virus doesn’t care for the perceptual barriers that we humans have created versus other humans. In times like these, we do need to find hope and your article did just that. Thank you.
Sir, I am very glad you wrote on this subject cause I have felt that the negativity of the media has been the bane of the Indian society for the longest time! They could have played a responsible and unifying role but unfortunately they chose to go the opposite way. Each and every day there are loads of fake news manufactured in India and now the situation is such that the faith in the Indian media has gone down so badly that even if they were to state the truth tomorrow, people would not believe them. I think there should now be strict laws against fake news and if that happens, then gradually it will bring about a much needed change in the Indian media and the way it functions.
‘Prophets of Doom’ – these words were spoken in a keynote address of the annual conference of WEF at Davos in January 2020 by President Trump. He said that “to embrace the possibilities of tomorrow, we must reject the perennial prophets of doom.” India has withstood Prophets of Doom. The U.S. president encouraged all to ignore environmental “alarmists” and their “predictions of the apocalypse.” There is no way we, the nation, can ignore pandemic of today.
How should we respond to times of crisis?
Tiwari Sir, you hit the nail on the head by talking about the role of media during this period. One of the biggest parts that the media plays in society is through the dissemination of information from various news sources. Our media will never pay heed to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s advice and stop painting a negative picture of any event. New Mantra is यथा प्रजा तथा मिडीया.
Despite all bottleneck, India will certainly bounce back to show its resilience to the world. We shall empower, adjust and take care of vulnerable today. Kudos to you for showing different facets of reality. May you keep showing us the light. Regards
Sir, your story provides new compassionate perspectives to the current scenario and delivers what it promises to, i.e. hope.
Media has always competed to get their TRPs, and responsive media is trying to be creative with positive possibilities. However, what seems to vitiate the scenario is the political environment. When a President of a great country runs a vanadate agenda to coverup his mistakes- what would the media do?
On a similar note, when divisive conversation dominates the national political discussion, sections of society would crave for news to feed on their confirmation bias. I agree that India is a great country with more than one billion people enjoying political freedom; the charged pre-corona atmosphere probably made our establishment miss on the underbelly of our society?
Your conclusion “empower and not endanger each other, adjust and not get angry, and take care of the poor and the weak” gives lots of hope. I wish your blog go viral and replaces our conversation.
Arun Ji, As always, an outstanding writing. While Corona created havoc, it has also shown the humanity of the Indian (especially by the so called middle class and lower middle class). This class has shown the true patriotism by showering empathy to the needy. Hope the G-5 nations will stand up with the planet rather than fighting for the top position(!!!!)
A very Insightful blog put in very simple way. First of all thank you very much Arun Sir.
As blog says ” Finding Hope In a Time of Crisis,” It further proceeds explaining in the same spirit. In one paragraph you beautifully put your believe that “More than our circumstance, It is our reaction to the circumstances that define our lives.”
Measure and realization of Nature of our beings must be the character of our reaction with ourselves and other beings .
Sir, Dr APJ Kalam was absolutely correct in pointing out that media always focus on negativity. To my mind it is so because it catches more eyeball So the TRP. But it would last very soon and its -ve impact in shaping society’s perception would cost us enormously. So we all should be very careful.
As Pico wrote ” Life is about joyful participation in a world of sorrows ……….”
So in this blog you also wrote the way more than billions of Indian participating in this sorrow (Pandemic) of world by following lock down’s rule , feeding needy helping vulnerable.
In 21st century India is standing up to the world , Helping by providing medical assistance to many developed and developing country.
It’s a awesome to read about Dr. Abdul kalam in your blog Sir. This is true that Indian people are blessed that they have such a great prime minister in this Pandemic condition. Hope for better future.
Dear Sir, A very thought provoking article. I am more than convinced that we have enough resources to take care of the poor who solely depend on daily wage for this period of lockdown and bit further. But what we lack is a proper channel which can pool up resources and reach it to needy. I am not sure whatever we contribute to these funds how much of it reaches the right people. Sometimes I think can it be bottom up approach where a team in each village can take care of the needy of that village for stipulated period of time and state should augment whatever is not there with them. If we can address at village level and at town level NGOs can take up this cause then nobody will sleep without food. Whatever Govt sends by the time it reaches the needy it would have almost become nothing.
God should awaken all of us for those great values which country always stood for. Charity,Sympathy,empathy and coexistence. This Pandemic has really taught us many lessons. 1) Money cannot buy everything 2) Namaste is the most respectful and hygienic way of greeting 3) Washing hands and legs before entering the house which our ancestors practiced was the best way to keep the diseases away. 4) washing hands before taking food is the most healthy habit.
We had forgotten our excellent practices and we are looking at WHO to tell us. I pray God to show us all a way out of this pandemic and I hope atleast 10% people will change for better…excellent blog sir.
Absolutely spot on…. especially the line…”more than our circumstances, it is our reaction to the circumstances that defines our lives.”…. circumstances are not within our control, but how we react to them is within our purview. Lord Rama was to be coronated king, but within moments he was asked to go on an exile. He displayed equanimity in both the situations. He teaches us that if one maintains Patience and Faith, one is able to govern the circumstances rather than let circumstances govern him.
Also you made a valid point when you highlighted the media’s role in focusing on negativity rather than positivity. It is precisely for these reasons that Param Pujya Pramukh Swami Maharaj used to advice to keep away from television. Also most of the news creators and anchors are half baked. They follow mob psychology. Hence most of the channels are just pushing the C-word these days. The number of recovery is more than the fatalities and yet…
This has been so articulately summarised when you quoted the Mahatma’s words..”The enemy is fear. We think it is hate, but it is really fear. Hate the sin and not the sinner.”
These are times where each one has to take care of each other even while maintaining social distancing. These are times to exert utmost Responsibility and Patience and Faith. These are times to go within. To be in commune with the Satpurush (the Guru…the Soul), who connects us to the Healer of Healers…Paramatma (the Super Soul).
Such a Beautiful article…it is nothing short of a heartfelt Prayer of a sincere Devotee. Thanks Tiwari sir for such an uplifting work.
Prof Tiwari, Thank you for the heart searching article at a time when the human race is losing it all in the open fight against the deadly disease. Of a truth social status hasn’t been a clear factor this time round in deciding who gets infected and who doesn’t, truly Pico Iyer (b. 1957), was right in saying,
“Life is about joyful participation in a world of sorrows.
Everyone dies, nothing lasts, grief of some kind comes to us all;
but that’s precisely why everything matters,
and we can wake up to the joy and beauty that’s around us right now.”
We are living this reality in the world today. What will build or break us us in the end, is how we react to this crisis. Evidence over what works is very open to all, whether we apply or want to apply the proverbial teacher called own’s experience in waiting till the disease strikes before we learn on what works from others, the work of reinventing the wheel would have failed us, in the end its the lives saved that will work to build on a failed economy, the dead will not even know what the impact of the disease they left behind, name calling as was tried by a few leaders over this crisis has proven to be no prevention, this isn’t the first time, I doubt if it will be the last..
New diseases call for new interventions, hence the pitfalls, the glory is not in remaining on the ground where one has fallen, its in reviewing whatever intervention has been effected, leaving what does not work and sticking to what works, telling others as one discovers what appears to be a game changer, we either walk together or we all perish.
I totally agree with you Prof where you said: ‘Public health is a product of community health and personal health. We must live simpler lives, spend time with our families, eat home food, and respect and care for the poor who leave their homes in the villages to make our lives in the cities a little better’ in short what needs to be done is going back to our roots – ‘Ubuntu: I am because we are.”
Namskaram Sir. Thank you for this wonderful article that shows the light of hope in a dark time where an almost dead entity has reset the world exposing a worldwide network that is susceptible to contagion and the mode of operation of its viral domino – individual, society, nation and world has been clearly established…no more can mankind brush away the responsibilities under the carpet.
This phantom network cannot be ignored anymore and a seemingly permanent vulnerability of mankind has been exposed.
Mr. Iyers quote that you have chosen on the joyous participation in a world of sorrows was perfect in today’s context and many of my friends were touched by it for it offers a philosophy for all to deal with the troubled times
Kalam sirs quote that you have selected has materialized for indeed the time has come when all eyes are now on India. The communist regime, the oldest democracy and also the WHO have suddenly stepping aside and created a vaccum by their inadequate handling of the pandemic and the largest democracy in the world has emerged as a beacon of hope.
I too see a hope sir in your article and I believe if an unconscious entity can cause so many negative consequences in the world, a conscious entity can very well become viral to bring a sea of positive changes.
The destruction and devastation of this pandemic was a product of the ignorance in mankind that was compounded and exploited by nature. While our scientists might find a vaccine to the covid, future loss of life and dignity will be possible only when mankind develops a vaccine for ignorance.
I believe “Words of Fire” emanating unadulterated from the perfect source will have the potency to be the vaccine that will bring about the change in the collective consciousness of man. I pray that mankind sees that promsied day sooner than later. Thank you sir again for the nice article.
Dear Arun sir, A great and insightful blog. Your blog is like our inner feeling translated into perfect set of words and statements.
More than ever, we will be remembered in history on how compassionate we were during this crisis. As only non-human enemy can get the true human out of us. As said by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in Vachanamrut GP74, “The true nature of human can be measured in crisis”. I think this is the time we assess ourselves on what makes us human – compassion, care, hope, positive reaction, support to each other, truthfulness, etc.
The heart of the blog that touched our inner self are these lines “more than our circumstances, it is our reaction to the circumstances that defines our lives.” Thank you so much for sharing the thought. Keep inspiring. Regards.
Beautiful observation and analysis of the current affairs. The whole world is gripped by the corona fever. A lot of people get angry over the negativity spread by Media not only in India but perhaps in the major parts of the World.
We only get to see few channels but all are equally bad. There is a lot of good work done by Government and also people of India collectively, but they will go and find few exceptions and show it every hour !! Feel like breaking the TV !!
I wonder what can be done to stop it. Is it a fact that “Good news” does not sell?
Pico Iyer has beautifully put forward the idea of positivity. Why can’t we look at good aspect of anything and enjoy the “present” How we still have not come out of the colonial mindset in India, and still gets impressed by the “Others” but don’t want to emulate the habits of “others” which make them good.
There is a lot of good in us which we fail to notice and build on it. A nice observation that “ where in the world you see middle class able to employ the services of maid etc.… “
We all think that mere ek ke badlanse kya hoga ? This is wrong and we must believe that yes, I can make a difference and start to do things in the right way. Let us not only hope but act on various matters as a Positive impact of this negative times.
While reading through your excellent blog, the following lines came to my mind:
“Joy and woe are woven fine.
A clothing for the soul divine.
Under every grief and pine.
Runs a joy with silken twine.
This is right, this should be so.
Man was made for joy and woe.
And when this we rightly know.
Through the world, we safely go.”
COVID-19 is a challenge to the whole human race. Personally, I see it as a ” Civilisational Challenge” for different nations. Historically, the Indian civilisation is known for its resilience, guided by perennial flow of wisdom of our sages. As you have indicated in your blog, we, as a nation. will be able to handle the COVID-19 challenge in a satisfactory manner. Thank you so much for your timely blog.
Dear Sir, Once again you have touched upon a large number of and diverse issues in such a simple manner and woven them into one fabric. It’s simply like गागर में सागर।
Your topic – finding hope in a time of crisis is a very apt topic to describe the present situation during national lockdown. You have rightly brought out the negative media hue and cry. Media will never be forgiven for spreading the negativity and exploitation of our limited resources as a country by displaying limitations of our poor people. You have completely exposed them. You have not only identified yourself with the poor and disadvantaged people but also brought out the difference between beggars and migrant respected workers.
You have brought in India’s ancient philosophy by saying that Life is joyful participation in a world of sorrows. You have gone on to define human behaviour which is reactive circumstances during Corona viruse. You, as a scholar brought in the lessons from Ramayana and Goswami Tulsidas to describe the fear and hate during these difficult times. You have shown your national vision when you say that India is a great nation with more than a billion living together in harmony. You are settling new norms for rest of life post corona impact.
As a true nationalist and a patriot you are absolutely confident that the destiny of present great civilization will be decided by billion of Indians living together over two millennia rather than few millions assembled in the last few hundred years. You have nicely ended by comparing the thre colours of the national flag by empowerment, adjustment and by taking care of poor and weak. Jai Hind.
Sir, this struck a chord, “more than our circumstances, it is our reaction to the circumstances that defines our lives.” In times like these, it shouldn’t be about pointing fingers or politicizing certain happenings. We should all stand together, do our part, no matter big or small, in tackling this pandemic.
The system should be designed to provide the migrant workers with basic necessities, shelter and proper food or provide them with transport, ensure their safe return to their homes. It’s an issue that needs to be solved right away. The least we could do is be kind to each other at this time. Let’s hope for a better tomorrow.
Thank you for sharing the article Sir. As you correctly mentioned, a positive outlook and faith are the most essential keys in fighting this pandemic. However, this positivity gets lost in a sea of doubt, despair, anger and frustration. The loss of economy, despair of the daily wage owners, deteriorating health conditions and fast spread of the virus are bound to instill these emotions in anyone. But this is no place and time to play blame game. As a nation we are possibly quite ahead than the other countries in trying to control it by not drowning in overconfidence. One such example is the state of Kerala, which never fails to amaze and impress me.
Kerala often goes a different route from the rest of India. The small coastal state at the country’s southern tip is steeped in communist ideas and governed by a coalition of communist and left-wing parties. In Kerala, a different style of leadership was on display. With 15 cases confirmed across the state intially, Pinarayi Vijayan, the chief minister, ordered a lockdown, shutting schools, banning large gatherings, and advising against visiting places of worship. He held daily media briefings, got internet service providers to boost capacity to meet the demands of those now working from home, stepped up production of hand sanitizer and face masks, had food delivered to schoolchildren reliant on free meals, and set up a mental health help line. His actions assuaged the public’s fears and built trust.
Ratan Tata donated 500 crores for production of PPE. India is more unified than any other country today. We can take USA as an example, where, the conflicts between the Governors and President led to a delay in lockdown and hastened the spread. This gives us hope. Hope, that our country still has unity, potential and faith to fight anything if we work together and in harmony.
It is time to stay alert and not anxious and spread love and positivity. Its time to stay well informed and try to use the knowledge to better the situation of the people and country.
Dear Bhaisab, Truly an excellent write up. What Dr Kalam saheb said about the media is absolutely true. They are just worried about their TRP. Things could be much better if the media change their attitude and present positive and progressive news. Desist from fake and unverified material to avoid events like Delhi and Mumbai.Let’s pray the current situation and lockout doesn’t stay long. India is a great nation. It has lived through many such events and will stand tall after the current phase is over soon. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Extremely insightful writeup Arunji. We are all in an extremely fortunate place. each one in our nation is provided with all the basic necesities.People are helping everyone around and so many people have contributed to the PMO FUNDS. today India stands together to fight the coronavirus.
A tragedy happens always suddenly. Expecting the unexpected should become rule and nature of society. Unprepared ness leads to tragedy. Lesson is to act swiftly. But in this uncertainty many will perish… and has happened since the inception of life on this Earth. Let us be brave .. protect others.. and as a nation of billion let us be with one voice… A voice heard always leads to goal achieved… Let us work on the principle… VASUDHAIVA KUTUMBAKAM
Respected sir, thanks for this great article. “Hands those help are holier than the lips that pray.” Salute to you and your team for bringing positivity. With high regards
Thank you Prof. Tiwari for an excellent post. Indeed, how one reacts to dire circumstances is quite telling in bringing out the true colors of people and in defining them.
In the US, we are pleased to see the private sector – ranging from the Gates Foundation, to large corporations such as Medtronic, to small companies in the neighborhood – all pitching in to attack this problem that has so abruptly disrupted our lives. The American people have also done their part in complying with shutdown rules/guidelines and the US Administration is working well with the State governors to most effectively manage the crisis. Finally, the healthcare and other public service workers in this country have been truly heroic in dealing with this crisis on a daily basis.
The mass media however and certain government officials have reacted differently – almost predictably – using this crisis in attempts to embolden their political views, by focusing so narrowly on the bad elements of what has occurred vs the good and in some cases falsely reporting events – the infamous ‘fake news’ that President Trump has branded the media with. In my humble opinion, the American people are smart enough to see through this and will speak loudly in November.
The bigger picture however, as Mr. Fisher points out so well in his post, is what really happened in China and at the WHO? It is being investigated; the results of which will certainly fuel further dialogue on your wonderful blog as to how the world will or should react to the discoveries there.
My Dear Arun, My compliments to you for your very well articulated commentary on the prevailing scenario.
The Media focus is on TRP and evidently negative news sells as simple as that! However, coming to real present issue, it would be futile to dream that everything shall be done by Government and few good NGOs.
In my opinion ,each and every one has to be enlightened regarding their roles and responsibilities to eliminate the crisis.And a bit of sacrifice and effort from every citizen shall help the Society to overcome this situation.Engagement and participation of everyone to think out of box to create employment and Entrepreneurs to maintain the eco system harmonious.
On the positive note, climate change, less pollution and disruptive technologies shall make more efficient and peaceful society in near future.
My dear friend Arun, No doubt that you are worthy tutelage of great APJA Kalam. Though he has left but I feel he still lives through you.
What you have narrated is true. In every society some good – some bad elements are found. Similarly, in every person some good and some bad virtues are present. You have commented about media’s role in creating collective perception in the societies. Every individual is having an attitude, which is formed over a period of time and depends on events of life through which he or she has passed through. Therefore, everyone is looking at the incidence of Covid-19 as per his/her perception and attitude. This incidence is shaking the entire world causing a lot of pain and inconvenience to many. Few are behaving like sane and few are behaving like insane. At the moment we should keep our calm and help our nation simply by abiding the guidelines and advisory issued by Govt.
I feel and believe that God will help us. Let us pray to GOD.
सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः ।
सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु मा कश्चिद् दुःखभाग्भवेत् ॥
ॐ शांतिः शांतिः शांतिः
(Om, May All become Happy,
May All be Healthy (Free from Illness)
May All See what is Auspicious,
May no one Suffer in any way .
Om Peace, Peace, Peace.)
Another excellent commentary on the current sad state of affairs, and your comments about the need to now realise the pleasures that we may have minimized before, such as spending time with family. It was said of Eleanor Roosevelt that she would rather light a candle than curse the darkness.
But at this point India needs to ask why it is enveloped in darkness. On January 6, 2020 President Trump offered to send an American team of scientists to China to see what was going on. China rejected the offer. Is China still hiding the fact that they had a virus lab in the same part of Wuhan near the wet markets? What is the statistical probability that the Wuhan virus was created in a laboratory as a biological weapon?
Years ago, why did China lobby so hard to have Tedros placed as head of the World Health Organization? Why was Teadros so overly praiseworthy of China’s “transparency” regarding the source of the coronavirus? And since the coronavirus crisis China has launched 9,000 new enterprises that are making face masks and other protective gear, and are flooding the world markets to their great economic benefit as the new colonialists. Just connect the dots to see the post-Coronavirus new world order.
Dear Sir, As you correctly mentioned, media in this democracy plays a vital role. In fact it is one of the founding pillars of it….I second that thought shared in the article that media must project the positive side of whole Indian picture too…This times are actually not good for being critical about something rather being creative i.e how we can sooth this agony from the arrival of this virus would be a better choice!
Arun ji, Thank you for sharing this excellent writeup with me. You have echoed the thoughts of millions in this country . Please keep it up !
Insightful blog, Sir. We indeed need to stand for the migrants at the moment.
Excellent article sirji , thanks for sharing…
Surat is facing uneasiness among the migrants. Though all arrangements for their food have been made, in the absence of work, they are restless. There houses are very small. In fact it has emerged out as a serious sociological problem to be solved. And of course media is highly negative. One few minutes clip of some unpleasant incidence is repeated in a loop for hours. At least Dr Kalam called it a problem. Now it is seen as a normal.
Dear Arun, A well written article. I will add one more dimension of this crisis management.I find with Covid-19, government action and helps from social trusts to support poor, to provide food is all a good step and perhaps need of the hour. But somewhere I am pained that what we call as dignity of labour is getting backseat. All those migrant and non-migrant workers, who lost their livelihood even though perhaps temporarily, are reduced to a state of receiving alms (I shiver saying begging). One who has some self respect wants to earn his livelihood. No alms is worth it if it doesn’t maintain the dignity of receiver. Everyone in the crowd is not beggar and I think this is the main reason, along with sense of future insecurity, that many want to go back to their native place to be with larger family where they can live with dignity in this crisis.
In hindsight, I feel , Govt could have advanced the subsistence money (later to be adjusted as loan) for the jobs they lost and given these labourers right to buy their own food. Money is anyway spent by Govt in buying food for these poor. Food without dignity of labour, will spoil us as a society as if the damage of subsidy was not enough.
Sir, your article came as a breeze. I am at home for last 25 days now. Initially I felt caged but now I can see the happiness of my child and pleasure of doing little things at home. Coronavirus will go as it has come; we need to have patience in seeing it off rather than jumping around. Social media is full of ”noise’ giving information not of any value to you and even misinforming. It adds to anxiety and stress. I like most your line about adjusting and not getting angry.
Sir, I see this lockdown time is for learning how to be a disciplined human at a harsh time? This is indeed a mock drill for real-world action. In Malayalam literature, there is a poem written by Mahakavi Kumaranasan named Veenapoove (the fallen flower) The poem is a strong metaphor depicting the life of a flower. The plant sprouts to bud to become a blooming flower. The poem depicting the entire life of a flower from bloom to fall on the ground. while on at the plant it attracts many beings like bees and butterflies and after the fall on the ground its starts to decay and finally disintegrates into the soil. The poem is telling good morale to life in this material world. The life of an ornate flower is short but the plant is long-lasting. We are all like flowers except that of extraordinary. Thank you. God bless.
Dear Sir, Another great article from your pen.
The current COVID situation around the world has given a very positive picture of India and its great and civilization. The cultural values and system we carried forward has once again proven authentic to the modern world.
We are in a situation to give world not only medicine but the art of living together and with nature. At each and every levels the people and communities has shown their cooperation and helping the needy to sustain this natural calamity.
I feel that post Covid 19 the world will change the attitude towards nature as well as towards Indian value system.
Let’s hope for a better future of the whole world and the suffering nature and humanity.
Regards.
India is a land of peace with harmony among its people.
I, like many African freedom fighters, got inspiration from great leaders like Karamchand Gandhi, an anti-colonial nationalist, and political ethicist who inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.
This is the India I know. Let it continue to shine and take its rightful place in the community of nations, leading human civilizations in humaneness (Ubuntu).
Sir One of the best post ….. touching concern of deprived, our responsibilities and attitude and positivity. हम सब एक दूसरे के परिपूरक हैं …. परस्पर प्रेम एवं सद्भाव हमारी शक्ति है। This testing phase of lockdown and corona will be over …… let’s consider this as a visit to a distant place ….. our boundaries are fixed …. we have to make best use of given time with positivity, exploring ourselves and humanity with learning desire. …… just calmly wait for new post corona world.
Only the other day I was telling my wife what Dr Kalam would have said about coronavirus pandemic and I can feel him while reading your blog of today. You have internalized him so very well Sir. I heard about Plato and Socrates and now I believe how a good pupil can make his teacher immortal. India has scrape through a big calamity and in view of the size of our country and population it is nothing short of a miracle.
Sir, The lock down discipline in our villages is exemplary. There are districts, including Amethi where I am currently located, not even a single case is detected but they are following lockdown to the hilt. The problem is being created by some people in the metropolis – first in Delhi and yesterday in Mumbai. It can be clearly seen that there are some people in our country who do not believe in law, order and system of any kind. It is time that cities regulate who is coming there to work and make the people who are hiring them must be held responsible for their peaceful and orderly presence. Social media is rampant with doubts and arguments.
पूज्य अरुण चाचा,
पूज्य कलाम साहब के ह्रदय की बात आपने बता दी ।
और पूज्य कलाम साहब की ये अच्छा ही देखने कि सीख लेते ही ह्रदय जैसे चन्दन सा शीतल हो गया।
आप को मेरा नमन, चरण स्पर्श
जय स्वामीनारायण!
Hear, hear. An excellent article, Arunji.