Coronavirus: a lifetime lesson for humanity

Subhendu Ray

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world to its knees, creating a new normal of fear, isolation, and lockdowns. The human race, once considered invincible, has been humbled by a tiny virus that has taught us a lesson about life and exposed the fall of man. Despite our advances in science, technology, and weaponry, we have become timid and frightened living beings in the face of this pandemic. It is a stark reminder that above all is humanity, none else.

Centuries ago, the poet Sri Chandidas wrote these words, "Shobar upor manush shotto tahar upore nai" which means, “Above all is humanity, none else.” Is it still true? Certainly not. Today, humanity is facing the biggest challenge ever, a challenge of survival, livelihood, and above all global recession. Today, it is proven again, nothing under the earth is above nature.

COVID-19 has exposed the fragility of our human existence, reminding us that nothing is above nature. When the virus first emerged in China, we thought it would not impact India much, but it came with a vengeance, turning our nation into a valley of death. Locked in our homes, we are all struggling to survive, whether rich or poor.

The pandemic has humbled us, teaching us several lessons along the way. We have learned that money cannot buy everything, especially not life. We have learned to appreciate the simple things in life, like the beauty of the natural world. We have also learned that science is above faith, beliefs, and religion. In the face of a pandemic, we are all simply helpless humans.

Despite the despair and uncertainty that COVID-19 has brought, there is hope on the horizon. Many nations, including India, have claimed to have developed a vaccine that could bring an end to the pandemic by early 2021. This pandemic has been a great teacher, reminding us of what is truly important in life and forcing us to reevaluate our priorities.

As we look to the future, we must remember the lessons of COVID-19 and never forget that above all is humanity. We must come together as a global community to ensure that the world is better prepared for future pandemics and that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past. We must learn to live in harmony with nature, rather than trying to dominate it and embrace the values of compassion, empathy, and kindness. In the end, it is not our power or wealth that defines us, but our humanity.