President’s Message
Fellow Rotarians,
Very Warm Greetings!
It originated in Wuhan, China and soon spread like wildfire all over the world. In a matter of a few weeks, our lives changed in such drastic ways, making us aware of the importance of very many things which otherwise one simply took for granted.
Global economies are impacted and on a downward spiral. Their fragility and inequities have become apparent seeing the hungry migrant workers, the unemployed, the homeless and employees suffering salary cuts or being laid off.
Mandatory self-isolation has made us realise the importance of community, outdoors, society and human interaction.
We have already witnessed a positive change in the environment by giving it time and space to repair itself – oceans and rivers have cleaned up, some wildlife has entered cities and towns, clear blue skies and cleaner air as the ozone layer too is repairing itself.
The need for better water infrastructure and its utilisation has become apparent due to the simple act of washing our hands frequently for 20 seconds. Imagine the plight of those millions, who do not have access to clean water. We too need to do our bit to save as much water as we can.
The only proverbial light at the end of the tunnel at this stage, is an assumption that ‘this too, shall pass” and, the inherent capabilities of our human species to adapt and innovate. Human society as we knew it may, too, see a sea change, but will this change only affect healthcare systems, or will it extend to work culture, consumption patterns, value systems, political regimes and legal systems?
It is only passage of time which shall tell us how the new world will adapt itself to this changed and still changing scenario.
The magnitude and impact of this pandemic and the lockdown on the earlier ‘normal’ have made us pause, given us ample time and space to look back, introspect, reset and, probably even plan ahead and, has set many thinking of what requires to be done for a better quality of life, for the community and for our environment at large. Are we going to go ‘minimalistic’ or to ‘material consumption’ with a vengeance?
A much-needed break from the ‘24×7 schedules’ and the ‘rat-race’ was perhaps in order for many of us.
Just as personal life-altering events can impact our work, life styles, financial plans etc. in dramatic ways, so has this pandemic probably affected many and, with much greater intensity, given that many underlying assumptions have drastically changed. Perhaps, we have realised to never treat the highly unlikely as impossible, or the highly likely as a certainty – we need therefore to always have a Plan B, Plan C, etc. too, with actions to be taken if risks and lifealtering situations do show up again or continue.
While on a personal front, we may have a greater positive focus on work, health, family, savings, estate planning, etc. we also need to protect, save and even better our environment and, not ignore or forget the lessons learnt.
When the lockdown winds down and opens up, and we go about our lives, will we go back to the ‘old normal’ or create and follow a better ‘new normal’?
Preeti Mehta
President
