Dr. B. Rathika Ramesh, Assistant Professor,
Department of English, MEPCO, Sivakasi.

NEVER QUARANTINE YOUR SPIRIT

Did we ever think of the words quarantine, cover all, swab, lock down, pandemic, social distancing, mask (mask – only in movies), disinfection tunnel and contain with such a serious note before March 2020? One fine day the break out of the term Quarantine made us think of the pandemic COVID 19. Many queries pop up in our mind regarding quarantine. Updation that we receive every single moment across the globe has imbibed an impression in our mind that there is no way to get rid of COVID 19 unless we constrain our move to contain the virus in check.

The postmodern world made us stay active and dynamic ever to be busy bees always in order to be unique, successful and vibrant. Working round the clock is bliss, no doubt in it. However at one point of time the soul gets devastated and longs for a pause to ease its routine from the mundane world. It does not mean that it gets tired or lazy. Ultimately it needs rejuvenation to rehabilitate the mind to bring back enthusiasm and dedication in its work.

Why don’t we ponder over certain things during these lockdown days? First and foremost thing is never complaint. It is destined already that certain things ought to happen. So our prime duty is to schedule our time properly to utilise the time that is given to us without any restriction. The entire time is ours. The voices which once had grudges that they are running out of time and after time have been given a chance to prove their mettle. The ball is in our court. Are we going to serve it at the right time or going to keep it for ourselves?

As a career woman I now realise how challenging it is to be a home maker! Hats off to those dedicated and determined souls who do their work as quick as a wink to fulfil the wish of their progenies as per their whims and fancies at times. It refreshes our mental and physical calibre. Quarantine period has quarantined our unwanted desires of accumulating wealth for health becomes our wealth. Preaching is easy. But to follow that is quite tough. What is food for a man becomes poison for the other. Look at those who live under the sky without knowing what awaits them next. So let us stay calm to get rid of qualms.
We anticipated holidays. Sundays become saviour. But now every day seems like Sunday. The almighty has granted what we wished for. Even then our complaints never cease. It is best for us not to rest but have some quest to chisel and hone our individuality during this lock down period. When the lock down is lifted we should double up our quantum to prove ourselves. Let us social distance our laziness and procrastination. We will live in history ever that we are the people who survive during the pandemic virus. Don’t stay one among many millions but stay unique among many millions!