Gods and Angels

In the recorded history of mankind none has ever seen a God or an Angel. Despite this, almost all of the humans believe in their existence. The purpose of this note is not to have a philosophic analysis of the issue, obviously for two reasons. One, I don’t have the scholarship needed for such a discussion. Two, I don’t want to add to the miseries and mental agony emanating from the lock down.

 Everyone knew that the Janatha curfew was a precursor to longer versions. But none expected it to be beyond two weeks. As days passed by people started enjoying the “holidays” without realising the ferocity of the issue. People believed Trump when he said that it’s only something like the common cold. People remained happy with TV (the old gen) and the new gen with whatsapp, FB, twitter, tik tok... ( I have heard only these names). But things started changing by every passing day. People turned scary and realised that this virus like any other does not discriminate between gender, caste, creed, one’s political affiliation, nationality, colour of the skin, rich or poor or any kind of barriers we humans have erected over the centuries. I think the virus knew just one thing, that blood is monochromatic across all divisions. With places of worship closed people started praying from their homes with greater belief in the unseen God. As I have admitted in the beginning I cannot engage in an erudite discussion on the unseen God. But haven’t all of us seen or experienced the manifestations of God in various forms at various stages of our lives? Let us recall some incredible scenes during the two floods that ripped Keralites of their solemn sense of security they enjoyed for about a century. Who can forget Jaisal K P who knelt, bent his back and offered it as a stepping stone for some stranded women to escape into the safety of a boat? Who can forget Kanhiaya Kumar, the NDRF jawan who ran over a sinking (collapsing) bridge with an infant in his arms? This bridge collapsed moments after this great act of bravery and the child had to be rushed to the hospital where the doctors and other medical staff swung into action and saved the life. Who can forget the images of the stranded Sajitha Jabil in labour being rescued by an Indian Navy helicopter. There are any number of instances like these. For these miraculously saved people, who might have abandoned even their last hopes, who or what is God. Surely, to them the saviours were God or God-sent at least.

Starting with the Janatha version, we had several locks down forcing us to remain indoors. Indoors we remained. But would we have been so disciplined but for the police force on the road braving the April-May searing sun? I doubt. There of course were some excesses which shouldn’t be seen lightly. Overall the Kerala police did a wonderful job. We saw them all on the TV.

Now, there is a group of people which like God is ‘unseen’. This most important group unfortunately do not have a face and never receive appreciation as individuals. This group comprises the self-less doctors, nurses and other paramedical workers. I said this group of Gods and Angels does not have a face, as they remain inside their PPE for hours together in the furnace like atmosphere. Nothing can make up for these self-less dedicated Godly deeds. Face-less. But don’t you see God’s face here? Don’t you see the Angels all around?

I cannot conclude without writing about my “doctor-in-need”. Dr D Balachandar is a paediatrician by specialisation. Yet, at sixty four, I still seek his advice which he is ever willing to provide.

During the locked down days I sought his help several times for me and my family. His prescriptions over the phone were a great relief. As usual they brought relief to the patient. There was a greater relief. During the stringent lock down days even going to the medical shop was a difficult task. One had to carry the paraphernalia of mask, sanitizer, a statement in the prescribed form detailing quite a few things and the doctor’s prescription (this last item was demanded only by some overzealous police men). It is here that, Dr Balachandar’s prescriptions are a relief by themselves. Who will rush to the medical shop with the prescription:

(i)   Luke warm water

(ii)   Plenty of fluid and one week rest!

He belongs to the glorious tradition of doctors who prescribe medicines when there is no option left. Oh God, a doctor indeed.