Social media, electronic media and the people behind them have a strange way pushing their opinion as facts. In one of the earlier blogs yours truly had pointed out that news is made out of exceptions and not the rule. In hours of crises the media and its people ought to make news out of the positivity and not highlight the erratic behaviour of a certain person or a group.
In the times of lockdown, the idle mind is already a devil's workshop which requires no fresh fodder. The world is astounded as to how a country of 1.30 billion could not only be asked to lockdown successfully but also the population also suggests a phased withdrawal or an extended lockdown to beat the virus at its own game. This intrinsic value was highlighted by the populace clanging bells and lighting up India on a mere call given. The billions may not understand the genetic structure, the protein component or the probable cure. They do understand that it is a new disease which spreads exponentially and could affect and infect anyone.
Imagine a country as diverse and densely populated as India with the geographical extent and variation have muted many of their traditional festivities. The lockdown affected the New Year celebrations of the population of Maharashtra, Goa, Telengana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
The Jain population which largely is present in the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan muted the Mahavir Jayanti celebrations.
The Jews who commemorate the liberation of the children of Israel from Egypt by Moses in the Passover gave it a pass without much ado.
The Christians who spend the Lent in prayer observed Palm Sunday, Good Friday and will celebrate Easter through live streaming despite it being the most significant religious festivity.
The Muslim community of India showed to its brethren that Shab e Baraat, the joyous occasion of the Allah providing for atonement and the Prophet entering the holy city of Mecca could be celebrated at their homes with social distancing.
The extended lockdown will also see the Buddhists celebrate Budha Purnima in a subdued manner.
People irrespective of caste, creed, colour, race, religion, gender or even nationality set an example of solidarity. Migrant labour were housed. Many came forward to feed them in a dignified manner. There were no facebook posts or whatsapp messages to tom tom these efforts. Less than a minute was devoted to a young lad parting with a princely sum of Rs 4,000 towards the PM Cares Fund set up which was his lifetime savings.
We fail to see the strength in ourselves and divide our attention to certain black sheep. These sheep require attention but not social media or electronic media. These are to be brought to the notice of enforcement agencies and left to be dealt with appropriately. On the action being taken the news would highlight the enforcement agency acting efficiently on errant people and not on the errant actions. Vigilance could be mounted to ensure that the agencies act without influencing opinions of the masses. Let us devote more time to provide the information on helpline numbers rather than decide who is right or wrong. Would this happen? Will the trolls end?
Time will answer if someone shares this on social media.
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