Live Local, Think Global

Around BC 2000 - 3000, the clan of Nimrod decided to build a tower in Shinar to reach the heavens. Their goal was to create a name for themselves and avoid being scattered. But God's plan was different. In that race of humans versus God, God simply came down and confused their languages so that they did not understand one another. But it marked the beginning of cultural and linguistic differences amongst the people and led them to move across the globe. Nature’s need for humans inhabiting different corners of the earth was thus achieved.

Centuries passed on from then. But the human goal remained the same. Man’s ambition to overpower nature and mankind, fame for himself and his creations rose steadily. We conquered, plundered, and neglected our fellow men and the environment. Pandemics are reminders to balance the forces of conquest with preservation. Nations went global but forgot the necessity of being local simultaneously. Countries have shut borders, and we are realizing the importance of communities being self-sufficient and this lesson needs to be retained after the pandemic passes.

Each territory on earth is unique with its biodiversity and ethnicity. Neglect of this factor and meddling with nature have given us several catastrophic events in the past too. Each incident reminds mankind that we are not the sole inhabitants of this planet. Despite being the most intelligent among creations, we have forgotten the most essential basics. A tiny virus has literally grounded the human race. Wars, trade and commerce, travel and tourism, real estate, wealth acquisition, mergers, and all the like have come to a standstill. We have come to realize that healthy survival is the most important factor. For once in a century, plant and animal life reigns in the sky and land.

NO apologies can do justice to the unappreciated, under-rewarded farmers in our society. Food is the indispensable need in this hour of lockdown. Movements are being restricted to procuring only food and medicines. If not for the food they produced in our times of neglect most of us couldn’t shut ourselves for safety. What about the other less celebrated jobs? It is time to rethink our attitude to such people. They continue to work even when we stay back for the sake of our safety. Sadly it is the neglected and blue-collar workforce that keeps our society moving in the good times and bad times. Often times their children suffer a lack of basic needs simply because their parents can’t make ends meet. 

When the world heals, medically and environmentally; let us not forget the hands that guarded and sustained us. 

May we be cautious in our decisions and actions!

May we take responsibility for the less fortunate and bring light into their lives as they do unto us today!

Live Local, Think Global!