Never give up

During this time of stress and lack of adequate social contact, it is important to count our blessings too. There are lessons in this lockdown. Hopefully countries will spend more on health and less on arms. India spends just 1.28 per cent of the GDP on health. Globally, we need to focus on keeping our cities cleaner and ensure more hygiene.

We should also improve housing conditions to improve the sanitation of those who live in slums. In the late 1990s, the Brazilian government had built small colourful housing apartments, to house those who live in the “favelas” (slums). Such initiatives can save many lives.

Almost every citizen in our world is going through some stress and anxiety these days. When will the lockdown end? Will I retain my job and earnings? What is my future and that of my children? When will an effective vaccine be found? A poem I wrote, 51 years ago, in 1969, entitled, “Never Give Up” may be relevant these days:

 “When mountains of trouble tumble down,

When the loyalty of friends has disappeared,

When those whom you helped try to shun you,

When those whom you admired doubt you,

When you are saturated with shocks,

When the body refuses to take another step,

When the spirit has fought enough,

When everything is at its lowest ebb,

It is then,

Then, that you must not give up.

The path may be long,

And the bare feet may bleed,

The tears may pour down incessantly,

And the heart may be as heavy as lead.

It is then, that you must not give up.

It is then, that you must not complain,

For he who complains accuses himself.

Every night has a day following it.

After the rains come the rainbows,

And after the pain comes the healing.”

Rajendra Aneja — Mumbai, India