May 2020 issue
May 2020 issue
I am happy to share my thoughts with our readers and writers through this editorial. I am writing this column with a totally different feeling than ever before. As I mentioned in my last editorial in February, this year has already seen unprecedented levels of disasters causing loss of lives, making it an unforgettable year in recent history. This invisible virus has changed our lives and has confined us to our homes. I haven’t been able to meet my friends, relatives and office colleagues for well over a month now but am relying on emails and video conferencing tools to keep in touch. We have fast become accustomed to the new norms such as social distancing and wearing facemasks while going about our essential business. Some countries have lost many thousands of people already to this new enemy with no permanent cure in sight. Sadly, I too, have witnessed some tragic losses within my social circles. While we leave the debate on how we reached this situation or how our lives will be transformed in the post Corona era for scientists, politicians and policy makers, it has become our own responsibility to raise awareness of the factors that led to this situation to the outside world. In this huge crisis, the only positive outcome that I can think of seems to be that there is a bit of global cooling down as opposed to global warming that we have been debating for a while. Falling crude oil prices, shutting down of airports and public transport systems are all indicators of this sudden change of situation. I sometimes think, ‘can’t we live like this permanently rather than chasing the time and counting the weekdays before another weekend comes’. Then again, I also think of all the boredom and health issues that change of lifestyle could bring about. I thank all our writers who have done an excellent job by sending varied contributions such as poems, painting, stories, and current affairs. I am delighted to receive their work. The amount of thought that has been put into their work shows the extent of the impact the Corona crisis has on many people’s lives. Some writers have commented on the way governments have reacted to the crisis and how the families and working class have been treated and the behaviour of authorities etc., all indicating the seriousness of the issues all over the world and pressing need for an urgent vaccine against this virus. But let us hope there will be some good news before our next issue in August as scientists are working around the clock to find a vaccine. Editing and compiling this issue has been a special challenge over the past few weeks, but the good thing is that this issue comes with a good mix of literary writing, making sure no reader is disappointed. I look forward to your feedback as always. Keep safe stay well
