The Unwanted Guest

 COVID-19 'the unwanted Atithi'

by Devika taneja

 A guest is someone who is invited to someone's home, whereas an unwanted or uninvited guest is someone who enters without permission. According to our Indian culture and tradition, a guest, whether invited or uninvited, is a manifestation of God and must be treated with great warmth and hospitality. He should be greeted with a red carpet whenever and however he arrives, timing is irrelevant. 'Atithi Devo Bhava' is revered in India.

An ATITHI or to be more accurate, an uninvited Atithi visited our home, our nation, and our planet during the Covid pandemic. 

We all initially thought the visitor might leave us in a few weeks, and if not in a few weeks, then perhaps in a few months, but there we were coping with it for couple of years, and all this time we were terrified but also strong. 

Normally, due to our hectic and busy schedules, we do not get time to entertain ourselves or our guests, but this guest brought the entire world under a long phase of lock down giving us long periods of time to discover unusual things we never really noticed before and also to have quality time with each other. The guest made it clear from the very beginning of its liking and disliking -sanitizers, mask ,social distancing ,staying indoors was all that he demanded.

The internet has been a lifesaver for everyone because it has made it possible for students to stay in touch with their friends and family, work, and complete their assignments. While it may seem that exercise is only necessary for our bodily and mental well-being, whisking those Dalgona coffees can count as a muscle workout. 

Yeast We require flour and sugar because "the family baking show" suddenly had contestants from all over the world. Who knew we were all so skilled at cooking?

The majority of those affected by this unwanted guest found new ways to improve their lives while withdrawing from friends and family. As time went on, the unwelcome visitor made us realise how many things in life we take for granted, not to mention life itself.

When this guest departs, everyone who lived through it will have a newfound appreciation for the moral and spiritual support that human beings can provide. This pandemic has shone a strong light on a very human need for other humans.