What cannot be accomplished if the heart and hands work in unison! A strong desire (the heart) along with the means to fulfil it (the hands) is all one would need to achieve anything. But, the coronavirus pandemic seems to have crippled us all. There is no denying that thousands have joined hands to alleviate the suffering of the poor by fulfilling their basic need for food. But human needs go much beyond. The alienation from one’s family and friends is taking a toll upon our emotional well-being. It’s truly arduous to spend all our time alone within our own confinements. But is that all that our struggle consists of, or are there more ‘ serious ’ situations that we have yet to consider?
Let’s have a look back in time, about 3 months ago, when we were all going about our lives with hope and enthusiasm about a better future. The young couples were ecstatically planning their dream weddings-booking venues, making guest lists, sending out invitations and shopping. But life took such an unexpected turn that the world seemed to have come crumbling down. Everything shut down, money in deposits was lost and hearts were broken.
The situation warrants social distancing so even if ceremonies aren’t altogether cancelled, they are being solemnised without fervour, in the absence of many who mattered.
But it is the final partings which have been particularly heart-rending. Death is an inevitable truth of all existence. We all have to brace ourselves to deal with this loss sooner or later. All cultures have their own unique rituals to set free the departed souls and help us channel our grief. But imagine, the right to perform these ceremonies being stripped away! It worsens the blow several times when you may be denied the last chance to set your eyes upon your loved ones and bid them a final farewell.
An equally difficult situation is that of an expecting mother nurturing a new life within her. The hope of holding a little one close to the bosom is clouded by the fear for the safety of the newborn into this pandemonium of disease and death. At this time too, one finds oneself all alone, bereft of the comfort and support of one’s family.
The heart goes out to the loved ones but the hands restrain us. No matter how strong the urge is, we need to curb the temptation and self isolate. These are times when we have to let the intangible bonds of love take over, sustaining and strengthening relationships.
That is the new ‘holding hands’.