The pandemic began with hushed tones of pessimism. Faced with a predicament that was so unheard of, people were unable to fathom its severity, toying around callously until they witnessed its wrath. This challenge presented its own unknown nature, thwarting all plans and edging everyone towards turmoil of all sorts. From parents sacrificing to provide for their families to children facing roadblock after roadblock on their path of progress, every citizen stood before an assemblage of challenges. The light of hope flickered as the situation transgressed, constantly striking and wounding people’s strive to sail through, and at a point, darkness befell and consumed us, making it seem impossible to scale the pit we had fallen into.

But the human spirit is a fire that burns with eternal flames. Before we could succumb to this difficulty, the world, amid all its chaos and pain, banded together and formed a wall, enabling people to emerge from this victoriously and progress. The pandemic moved me, instilling a sense of admiration in my heart, for the fearless souls fighting for our safety, reminding me that no challenge or problem can withstand the waves created by the imperishable unity of humans. These united souls imitated stars to the lost sailor in my mind, guiding me to a changed mindset, permeated with positivity. Monumental tasks of distributing resources and handling emergencies as well as the simplest yet important action of supporting each other through the loss of a loved one, people shielded each other from all the negativity unfolding around them, establishing irreplaceable and concrete bonds. This assured me that the truth is, when all else fails to persevere, the human spirit and brotherhood is the guiding light leading us through everything. The only wealth we truly possess in times of peril is… Hope.    

Raunak Raghavan

11-K