The month that has gone by…in fact I would say the months that have gone by have been very trying on our levels of tolerance and patience. The wrath of nature has mellowed us down and all of us, in fact the entire planet has been forced to stop work and bring everything to a halt. Mother Nature has advised us to remain quiet, stay home and keep praying and hoping that this too will pass! The nation, rather nations, have come together to fight this deadly virus that is a severe threat to all human life on earth. Am sure we understand the severity of it as our Prime Minister has been urging us to protect ourselves and as he pleads forgiveness for the lockdown that he was forced to bring about. As the head of the entire country, his worries are far more than us and what we could least do is to follow advice and cooperate. How else could the country be protected?
I am reminded of a management lesson here which says, at times it is good to stay quiet and let the enemy attack, for by staying quiet we will bring down the power of the enemy and this is the strategy used by all Nations at this time. Like the Narayana astra in the Mahabharata as used by Ashwathama when he was angry. Then it was Lord Krishna who advised that it was sensible to keep quiet and not do anything in retaliation and wait for the venom of the weapon to die down. The scriptures have taught us one more lesson this time when it comes to facing the COVID battle through the Kurukshetra war. Yet another lesson comes to us from the Ramayana , wherein the crossing of the Lakshman Rekha and instruction given by Lakshman to Sita resulted in what follows in the story. Today, we value these musings with great care and as we slow down it is time for us to bond with our family, look into our selves, introspect, understand what is our shortcoming, build compassion for people around us and pray for the safety of humanity.
At this point while we remember with gratitude all those doctors, nurses, police forces and other essential service providers and our fellow men, I would also like to thank the services of our teachers….the faculty of REVA in particular who have stood by us and in these difficult times, ensured that students are not affected. They have contributed to the country’s lockdown by ensuring that the young students and their minds are kept occupied with online lessons, online support and teaching and assignments and assessments. Day and night you have worked to face this unforeseen situation and support students without any disturbance. My salutations to each of you my REVA family who selflessly have worked to offer teaching-learning during these times.
It is with acute sensitivity that I recall the day when the PM called for Janatha curfew and our entire student and staff residents at campus stood up to salute the services of our countrymen during these harsh times. Saying a little prayer as the nation joins me, let us fight with all our strength, for as I always say, there will always be a way if we are committed and if we are in the right!
Stayhome! Staycalm! Staystrong!
Dr P Shyama Raju
