The Corona Virus- Nature’s messenger

“The mountains are calling, and I must go.”

— John Muir

The thrilling excitement of being in a hilly area after the long hectic days, the sweet chirping of the birds that soothe the soul’s anxiety, the cool breeze, embracing the tired body, and the ease with which we surrender ourselves amidst nature are ineffable. Just being surrounded by bountiful nature rejuvenates and inspires us. But, this all would be improbable if the mother earth will not be, replenished.

Is it not disconcerting that only on April 22nd, every year, we remind ourselves how each of us can contribute to preserve our precious planet and keep it safe and healthy for generations to come. Human beings have destroyed abundant natural resources in their quench for development. They have irrevocably upset the balance of nature and, as a result, the world is facing the highest rate of extinction since we lost the dinosaurs more than 60 million years ago. But unlike the fate of the dinosaurs, the rapid extinction of species in our world today is the result of human activity.

As the saying goes, nature doesn’t need our protection, rather we need to protect ourselves from nature’s wrath. Recently, we witnessed one of the majors, nature’s wrath in the form of invisible microorganisms- the novel Corona Virus. This microorganism has endangered the existence of life on the earth. It had created turbulence in the health, labour, and economic sector. The only aspect which stood out during this pandemic was the ‘Healing of nature.’

During this pandemic, we all have learned to accumulate and generate less waste in life. In some ways, it seemed as if nature was taking a break from the pollution caused by our mindless activities and pointed to more efficient and mindful living practices. The pandemic pulled the brakes on our fast-paced lifestyle and forced us to contemplate how our choices can affect, the collective good of society.  But, it doesn’t mean we should celebrate the pandemic for its impact on the environment. The clearer skies came at a BIG social and economic cost.

The Covid-19 pandemic had served as a favourable reminder to respect the earth and to show a little gratitude to Mother Nature. In the POST-COVID age, we all need to ponder over the thought: won’t it be wonderful if we all live as if every day is Earth Day?