Pray for India!

I sobbed. I sobbed like I have never sobbed before after watching a recent CNN video about the sorry state of affairs in our country. India and its citizens are in severe distress. People are gasping for breath, begging for doctors to treat them and their family members, and most of the patients are feeling utterly helpless.

The second wave of COVID-19 in India has been beyond tragic. The horrific images of a son trying to revive his mom, a helpless 13-year-old crying on top of his lungs as he just became an orphan and doctors trying their best to tirelessly save lives is tormenting me. The image of a 35-year-old father who is infected with this deadly disease crying in agony wondering what is going to happen to his young wife and daughter if something were to happen to him is not allowing me to sleep peacefully at night. These are just a fraction of examples of what is happening in our country.

Where did we go wrong? Who is to blame? The government? Citizens? Or both? Right now, it does not matter. At this moment, the situation is what it is. There is no point trying to blame each other or different communities or political parties on what can or could be done better. It is time to unite. Time to rise to the occasion and help each other out.

Our country is bleeding. Our citizens mental and physical health is hanging by a thread.

Whether we are Hindu, Muslim, Christian or any other religion — the virus is not going to spare us. Whether you have 100 rupees in your bank account or 10,000 crores, you still are gasping for the same oxygen. When are we going to unite and help each other out throwing our egos and differences aside?

It sickens me to my core that there are government officials in certain cities trying to make money out of this tragedy. It makes me feel like there is no hope for humanity when I hear that there are a ‘elite few’ who have blocked private ICU beds in hospitals ‘just in case they or their family members are affected.’ Whether these are rumors or reality on ground, I am not aware. And I am sure if I were to voice my opinion a few of them will be enraged saying that I am commenting without knowing the full picture.

It is true — I do not know the entire picture and will not pretend to. I can just comment on what is happening around me and know that all of us (certain government officials included) are doing our best to help out. If you want to lecture me or educate me, I request you to save your time and mine. I respectfully, do not care.

Right now, I want to help out. I want to hold the hands of those in distress and fear and tell them that we will get through this.

Whether there is a higher force or not, I do not know. But I want to hope. Hope that there is because that is the only way we can address this mammoth tragedy that we are going through. I want to pray from my heart that things get better.

As a helpless, lost child, I feel like going down on my knees with my hands to my heart in prayer position and scream out to all the higher forces out there to please help our country. Apart from monetary contribution, this is all I can sadly offer.

I want to believe that there is hope for humanity. I want to believe that we are not that heartless that we turn a blind eye about what is happening in our country; that all celebrations, parties are put on hold and we instead see how to use those funds for our fellow human beings.

I can’t offer you much right now other than a heartfelt virtual hug. I can’t offer you much right now other than a lending ear about the anxiety and pain you are going through — and for this, I am truly, utterly sorry. Wish I was of more help. If you have my number and just want someone to talk to — please, call me. We are in this together.

Let there be light at the end of this horrible, dark, treacherous tunnel. Let us pray for India. Let us pray for those who are suffering. Please : let there be a higher force or God or whatever you want to call it come and give us the strength as a country to get through this.

Maybe I am being the forever optimistic that I am; then again, that is the only hope I have.

Take care. Stay safe. Please reach out to me if you want to talk.