Today is international nurses day. We salute them for the tireless service to society especially in critical times like this pandemic. It is not a feat to sit in the comfort of my home and blog about Agathiyar. The true feat is coming face to face with the virus just to save another patient. These are the true unsung heroes who risk their lives daily as they only meet the sick while at work. They are continuously exposed to what we bring in on each visit to the clinics and hospitals, especially now. The last standing souls are the medical team. The DW News channel in honoring the nurses worldwide at https://www.dw.com/en/mass-trauma-among-nurses-is-a-global-phenomenon/av-57514281 bring us the reminder that it is the nurses who are most likely the last one to hold our hands as we drift into a long "slumber" as a result of the virus. A nurse interviewed regards her profession highly and with a dedication saying "It is a profession where you are there when life comes into the world until the moment it leaves again."
With the advent of the pandemic, while the WHO and scientists all over the world were battling with time to find both the reason and solution and a vaccine, others took to religious and spiritual institutions and their heads for answers. There was a spate of videos and statements churned up and posted on social media as to why it was happening and when it would all end. They seemed affirmative with some asking us to put aside our fears. While man rushed to find a solution and a vaccine to combat and subdue and keep the virus at bay other quarters regarded the outbreak as conspiracies and took it lightly. Although social media and blogs carried messages given by Agathiyar and the Siddhas, Agathiyar chose to reveal nothing at all till now to us. He only asked us to pray to Lord Siva to end it - once in February and again a few days ago.
Many alternative practitioners too have dug into the many Siddha literature and books and their years of practice to come up with remedies. We thank them too for in the face of danger or suffering man is known to submit to all possibilities of a cure that is made known and available to him as long it can bring relief.
Now that the vaccine is here, variants of the virus too have multiplied making it even more difficult to combat it. The common man on the street is currently lost. He and his family members look up to these scientists and the medical team for help. They are now God in their eyes. We too look up to them and the divine especially Lord Siva to show his mercy and grace to one and all.
"Pandemic fatigue has taken over our lives. We are all tired adjusting to the new norm that changed our lifestyle completely but again, we are losing precious lives and our sanity because of this outbreak that is not slowing down even a bit."
"We can all practise some harm reduction methods together. Somehow, we have to continue our daily lives by risking ourselves each time we leave our safe zones, but when we know where the harm is and how it is caused, we can still work on reducing the harm we face."
"Proper wearing of masks is a must the moment you leave home. The mask protects you and others. Educate those who might not be wearing their masks correctly. It makes a difference."
"Carry your sanitiser everywhere you go, wash your hands with soap each time you touch a surface, even tables in your meeting rooms. Wipe your mobile phones, wash your clothes the moment you return home, and bathe immediately before going near others at home."
"Physical distancing is vital. This virus is also airborne, which means that it can spread through the air via very fine droplets and aerosolised particles. Hence, the 2m rule is not efficient. We have to be as far as possible from another person, especially when we are eating, drinking or talking because these are the times when we will be removing our masks. When you are eating at your workplaces, sit alone at your work cubicle, or if you work outdoors, perhaps enjoy your lunch under a tree alone."
"Gatherings and celebrations are important in our lives, yet these are also the gateways for the virus to spread. Very often, those at a celebration will remove their masks and not observe physical distancing."
"Last but not least, especially with deadly variants spiralling in the community, do not take any symptoms lightly. Seek medical attention even if you feel the slightest difference."
"It is difficult to remember all the measures we need to take each time we step outside, but we can always improvise and find ways to alert ourselves on the “Must do list each time I leave my home”.
"One way is to set alarms on our smartphones. This will constantly remind us that we are in the midst of a pandemic."
"Spread awareness to everyone you know. Covid-19 is a painful reality that we have to put up with and battle together to save lives."
(Source: Letters to the Editor, FMT)
Let us remind each other too to be careful each time we leave the house or are out. May Lord Siva show mercy on all.