A particle as small as 80 billionth of a meter is haunting the humanity. Probably hunting. More than anything, it is the fear of catching the coronavirus that is making people sick with fear. The stories of its lethality — real and imaginary — are growing by the day. It can catch anyone — men, women or children. It makes no distinction between the rich and poor, between those at the top of the social ladder and those rotting at the bottom.

Viruses are nothing new. Microbes have been around for a long time — even before our ancestors starting walking on this planet. The virus has gone global in a few months, killing people, destroying jobs, blowing up stocks, smashing industries and challenging our whole knowledge systems and assumptions.

It is an irony that the dreaded virus can’t survive a mix of simple soap and water. But if it finds a way into a human body, it turns into a mythological monster which can multiply itself at will. Right now, there is no cure. There is no vaccine. Scientists all over the world are working day and night to make a medicine that can defeat the virus. It is an uphill task. But humans will ultimately defeat the virus. It is a big challenge.

I don’t make tall claims about my achievements. I am an ordinary man. Actually, I am too used to my daily routine and comfort zone. Or maybe I am just laid back. However, there is a contradiction too. I believe in impermanence, empathy and good Karma. It’s a tragedy that we needed a virus to open are eyes to impermanence. It’s an irony that we are discovering our compassion only when a virus ravages our communities and our nations. All over the world, crime rates have fallen. People are helping absolute strangers. We are discovering our shared humanity. As the entire human race stares at an existential crisis, we know that this too shall pass.