Aimun Bilal
‘CO’ stands for corona, ‘VI’ for the virus and ‘D’ for the disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as ‘2019 novel coronavirus’ or ‘2019-nCoV.’ The COVID-19 virus is a new virus linked to the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and some types of the common cold. The COVID-19 pandemic which appeared in late 2019 from Wuhan, China disrupted the lives of people in each aspect and yet remains to be doing so. It not only has left the economy hanging in the mid-air but has also challenged other areas of human lives.
The increasing number of mental health issues is taking a historic turn where the number of cases of anxiety and depression is increasing drastically. Every other day we come across at least one case of suicide or some depressing posts on social media.
This further not only becomes a concern at an individual level but also on a community level. As the pandemic has affected each one of us in equal measures we should endeavour to extend our support for those in need.
Although, socializing becomes a hindrance in communication, yet there are other means that can be utilized. In the age of technology where smartphones and internet connectivity are accessible, we can make use of these gadgets and networks to uplift each other. Social media is a good platform to socialize with people such as on WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. YouTube, as well as other websites, also become a good platform to share one’s creative output such as starting a channel.
However, apart from socializing via the internet, an individual can also explore his/her hobbies during the lockdown such as writing, cooking, playing video games, reading, learning a new language, etc. in order to keep one’s physical and psychological health intact. Also, learning about one’s own cultures and traditions is a good option to engage ourselves in, in order for it to familiarize us with the history and richness of traditions and culture.
Kashmir becomes the hub of all opportunities that an individual can explore as its traditions, cultures, are famous on a global level. Right from the famous cuisines, Wazwan, costumes, etc. Kashmir has a lot of places that are historically significant as well as eye appealing. So, as a Kashmiri, it becomes a great opportunity for us to explore our traditional practices as well as gain more information about them which our busy lives usually keep us away from. Also, spending time with family members gives us a chance to strengthen our relationships with them.
Therefore, this extended lockdown during the current pandemic can give all of us a great opportunity to know our customs and traditions better which can further be learned better and brought to limelight by our creative generation and as well as help us engage ourselves in some productive task. It would be a good effort in spending our time wisely as well as in keeping ourselves psychologically, physically, and emotionally healthy.
The writer is currently pursuing her M.A. English from Bangalore India. |
