Social Distancing and you

Dear students

We are all affected by COVID 19 pandemic in one or the other way. On one hand it has disturbed our routine life, on the other hand it has pushed us to explore and experiment new ways of learning. On one hand it has posed certain restrictions to our movements, on the other hand it has driven us to spend more time with ourselves. In these given conditions one has to organize oneself in such a way that it does not hamper learning zeal and personal growth.

Technology as always has been able to facilitate our living conditions in a big way, be it getting things delivered to our doorstep or maintaining contacts with all near and dear ones while in social distancing mode. When I was young and attending school, teachers used to tell us - Science is a good servant but a bad master. We wrote essays and assignments around this theme many times.  In the process of growing in the last five decades I have witnessed exploitation of nature to the optimal levels. We have taken much more than what we have contributed.  Nature has its own way of taking revenge so it is better to avoid extremes and stay balanced.

With this background in mind I thought let me address my students for helping them design their agenda in these difficult times, so that their 'inner' space is nurtured in the same way as their 'outer' space; so that they design their 'inner' self to respond to 'outer' self in a better way; so that they enrich themselves and their 'inner' world in order to prepare better for their 'outer' world.  I suggest following for your benefit and wish that you revert back to me with your experiences so that it helps me to understand your perspective.

a. Maintain a journal (diary) and write down your routine with time spent on different kind of activities.

b. Spend time on hobbies (preferably offline), like gardening, cooking, reading, writing, composing, singing, dancing, drawing, painting.... or anything that you think best for you.

c. Enjoy the company of family members, talk to them (if you stay with them) otherwise talk to your mates, neighbors, relatives etc and ask their perspective about life, country, state, philosophy, religion, policy, etc etc. (give space to them).

d. Get into reading, even if you do not like, just try, read your subject book, background readings, about the subjects you like most, or general reading. (you may use internet mode)

e. If possible do some online courses, listen to some TED talks.

f. Spend time with yourself, atleast 20-30 minutes, thinking about your existence, purpose of life, life goals, and try connecting your present goal with life goal.

You may wish to do anything that you like but be conscious and keep your ears open to listen to the voice of your conscience, let it guide you where you want to lead.

best wishes