OPINION: How has Covid-19 Changed Us?

What the world perceived to be a normal virus turned into a global pandemic, in a matter of weeks.

The first case of Covid-19 came up in November 2019 and 8 months have passed but this virus shows

no intention of stopping any time sooner. It’s already claimed the life of thousands and infected

millions and is only getting stronger and dangerous by the moment.

It has caused great economic losses to all industries and has caused the largest recession after the

Great Depression. It has left millions unemployed and starving and really pushed the poor on the edge.

But with calamity comes opportunity, unknowingly Covid has taught us a lot and changed the person

within. We can credit the following teachings to this pandemic:

1) The indispensability of doctors and frontline workers

In times when everyone is concerned about their safety and health, all the frontline workers are

exposing themselves to this virus every day. They are pulling of all-nighters and working endlessly to

ensure that no family is broken. The people who used be ordinary, today are the literal incarnations of

the Almighty. Such courage, dedication and selflessness are so rare to come across and the world will

forever be grateful. These frontline workers have taught us the true meaning of sacrifice and it warms

my heart knowing that people like them exist.

2) Appreciating every little thing

Absence makes the heart grows fonder. We never learn the vitality of something until it’s taken away.

Whether it be the freedom to go out or even the vegetable vendor that’s on the street, I have learnt to

appreciate it all. I have also learnt the importance of the household help and the people who make our

everyday routines smooth sailing. In the 3 months when vegetables weren’t easily available, or when

household help wasn’t there, I learnt their importance. So if today you have food on your table,

access to masks and sanitizers, if you can touch and talk to your loved ones, if you have friends that

care, take moment and thank god.

3) The unpredictability of life

Life is an unpredictable game. Who would have thought in December 2019 that 2020 would

turn out like this. We should be grateful for every moment we are alive and live it to the

fullest.

I know these are tough times for everyone but instead of looking at it like a calamity look at

it like an opportunity. Do something creative! Hone your skills! Learn something new. Covid

has given us time we never had, so use it for something good. Don’t let this time slip by.

Writer: Risha Chaurasia