The Covid pandemic has caused many upheavals across our country's social and economic landscape. While individuals have been left struggling to come to terms with the unforeseen challenges, industries too have had their share of uncertainties. With the virus now weakening but coming back in spurts, organizations, especially IT organizations, are now faced with the dilemma - should they ask their workforce to join back office as in pre-Covid days or should they continue to propagate the work-from-home model?

 As some organizations have been returning to the traditional model and incurring dissatisfaction amongst their employees, it is not that they are oblivious to the challenges faced by the people. They do understand that over the last two years, a significant section of the working population has relocated back to their hometowns and now calling them back raises a lot of questions.

 Realizing that they do not have answers to some of these questions, IT organizations are increasingly designing a host of people events to lure people back to the offices. One of my colleagues, a fresh Engineering grad, appears mirthful at having a chance to attend these events specially designed for him and his peers. Surprisingly, however, they do not have the slightest hesitation to switch jobs as soon as they get a permanent Work from the Home offer, elsewhere.

 Unfortunately, however, at the coffee station, I do still catch snippets of conversation where some of them continue to talk about the eerie silence that prevails in their homes because they have not yet been able to come to terms with losing a loved one to the killer virus. Therefore, the dark side of the story shall remain a scar forever etched in our memory…

 So, feelings are mixed. But one thing that definitely stands out is that only the valiant ones have managed to survive this crisis. And the only weapon that works against such a widescale massacre is staying connected with people. While the medical fraternity has repeatedly warned us to stay away from each other, we have increasingly felt the urge to reach out to others and draw sustenance from each other.

 Interestingly, this longing to be in touch has led to social media flourishing and consuming the better part of our lives. This is what now features the modernistic lifestyle, particularly of our young generations. It is currently not uncommon to find a family dinner marked not by chatter and laughter but by the dings and dongs of mobile phones as each one vigorously tries to communicate digitally with the outside world. Playgrounds lie vacant as children remain glued to their electronic gadgets.

 Thankfully, a significant section of the senior generation has managed to keep themselves immune to this digital toxification and continue to lead their rustic lives. Surprisingly, this pandemic has not been able to dent their indomitable spirit that continues to be as majestic as before. Laughter clubs, continue to thrive, and park benches warm up to hearty chats and warm hugs.

 So, as I look back over the last two years, I believe it has been an excellent learning for the human race. We have survived to watch the rainbow adorning the horizon as the sun smiles back at us after a long and dreary battle against illness and death…