I, CORONAVIRUS IN 2020- HOPE IN A VIRTUAL WORLD
I clearly remember that evening. 15th of March, Me in a black suit and my wife gorgeously dressed in a Golden sari. We were driving towards Kota House in posh Lutyen’s Delhi. It was our close family friends’ parents’ Marriage Anniversary. As we drove in, the entire palatial building, which earlier shone bright like a palace, was absolutely dark. The guards told us that all parties have been cancelled, except the one we were attending, as a special case.
We walked in. The hosts treated us with a sprinkle of hand sanitizer, no hugs, no gentlemanly handshakes, the people you knew for years’ moved away from your presence. I knew the world order is about to change. Covid 19 Coronavirus has made its way into the psyche of Indians.
As we drove back home, little did I realize that this was the last time- for the entire 2020, that we have attended a such a mega party with over 500 guests, see my wife looking so gorgeous in her favourite sari or I in my black suit for work or a night out. Little did I realize, that for months and months together, a person like me, who travelled almost 20 days a month for work, over 2 ½ decades, shall be stuck at home and city.
A week later, India goes under complete LOCKDOWN.
All my travel plans cancelled. All work cancelled. The next few weeks were spent on speculation and hope. “That the lockdown shall end soon.” “Coronavirus will pass away quickly after onset of summers”…so on…and so forth. The social media and the sea of TV news channels were abuzz with all kinds of gossip.
Amidst this hotchpotch, one thing was sure. The entire world was shifting online. Quite a shocker for a guy like me whose work was by and large physical, P2P and offline. Some hope started pouring in with clients calling me up, to host and moderate Webinars. One of them even helped me, to learn the logistics, of how to be effective on Zoom.
Since mid April, I have been trying my best, through numerous webinars that I hosted and moderated, for various Education and Corporate platforms, to be as effective as possible. Work front and the major source of income through Fashion, Entertainment Events and Corporate shows were totally shut. My wife’s fashion business got totally shut.
For the Indian Government we self employed professionals never existed, anyways. As we middle class idiots are not effective vote banks. So no help, no customary relief.
All this shock was coupled with the fear and despair of a Covid 19 Coronavirus infection. Initially we hardly knew anyone with the infection. Then the virus started taking its toll. My immediate neighbours got infected. Gradually, news about many friends and relatives being infected, started pouring in. My younger sister, brother-in law and elderly mother got Covid+. Thankfully all is well now.
I continued struggling with the monthly bills, online webinars and some tit-bit writing and voice-over work. Learning new skills and techniques about the virual world that was gradually encompassing the globe, alongside the pandemic.
Coincidentally, one of Sadhguru ji’s videos on You Tube helped me a lot.
He stated “ During this crisis don’t waste your time. Nobody can speculate about the future. Make everyday count. Focus on things that are going to benefit you in the future. Monitor your physical health, mental health and upskill your talents and qualifications.”
Needless to say, I have been going for late afternoon walks amidst nature, in the neighbourhood park. Not letting stress creep in, despite the critical financial crisis. Thanks to IPL, India-Australia cricket matches and Netflix. And of course the supportive family members.
I started pursuing a year long course for upgrading my knowledge and skills in Corporate Soft skills Training. Since the past few months, self learning and following other Digital and Social Media experts have enabled me to upgrade my brand visibility in the virtual world. And recently, attending a Content writing workshop with ace Writer and Mentor- Uma Madhavi was like an ‘icing on the cake’.
Durga Puja went by without the usual feasting and community prayers and evening entertainment. Diwali, after decades, crawled past without the usual fanfare and card parties. And now Christmas and New Year reckons. Without much promise of any celebrations and festivity.
Gosh! The Corona year is about to end.
However, 2021 reckons. A new World. A new You. Lets show the world that we are effective ‘self Yodhya.’ Lets hope for the world where we humans can freely co-exist as “social animals” once again.
