I realized how insignificant we "humans" are as a species as the coronavirus pandemic causes the entire planet to go into panic mode. Millions of people are being affected by something that can't even be seen with the naked eye and is wrecking lives and economies! When it casts its spell, this virus doesn't appear to give a damn about your race, skin color, linguistic skills, or social class! I'm sure you're wondering what my point is, so let me explain. Well that, there are bigger problems in the world that we as "humans" must address as a whole.

The ease with which our political leaders can consistently disturb our tranquillity in the name of a particular religion, race, or gender genuinely disturbs me. Not their manipulation, but the ease with which we fall prey to their divide and rule strategy bothers me. Perhaps we needed a single, all-encompassing foe to bring us together, show us how similar we are to one another rather than how different we are from one another, and most crucially, to make us understand that every person's actions have the potential to injure others irreparably!

If the nurse had made a simple "human error" when we were born, we could have simply been switched into a Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, or Christian family, and it would have become our religion. Thus, engaging in religious conflict is foolish. When I was a child, the word "religion" connoted celebrations, colors, food, fragrances, and community. Delicious mutton biryani was a sign of Eid, colors were a sign of Holi, lights were a symbol of Christmas, and an ellaborate sadhya was a sign of Onam!

I would like to share with you one of the most tragically memorable experiences of my life. On the day of the Mumbai train bombings, I had just finished work and was on my way home when I suddenly noticed ambulances everywhere. People were in a panic, but didn't know what had occurred, and cell phones were jammed. I was terrified and wondered whether I would ever make it home.

Lemon and chillies talisman. PC: ePi.Longo

On the way I met so many good samaritans, a taxi driver who almost drove me home, an elderly woman and her grandchild who got into our car, a complete stranger who dropped me off at home safely, and a vendor who continued to sell the traditional "lemon and chili talisman" despite everyone around him running for their lives. Usually used to ward off evil, the talisman was arguably the ideal thing at the time to hang on doors and vehicles! Irritatingly, the cab driver questioned the vendor, "Are you crazy?" Just go home! Who do you think will purchase this right now? If all goes well, sir, I will live today and have five stomachs to feed, he retorted. I have to just go on. Would you want to buy it, he continued? For the price of one, I can offer you two! ...we all just stared at each other in silence!

My heart goes out to people like him right now, especially given that we are under lockdown. Many of us still enjoy the comforts of home, such as clean water, power, and a refrigerator stocked with food. The least we can do right now is to relax in our homes and work to flatten the curve.

PS: That day, I only saw them all as "people," and I still don't know or care what religion they practiced. I hope we could all turn off the "religion" in us, by which I meant all of our differences. In the end, we still need to battle that virus, clean up the environment, and rebuild our future!

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