Newton's First Law in times of Corona

"Law of inertia, also called Newton's first law, postulate in physics that, if a body is at rest or moving at a constant speed in a straight line, it will remain at rest or keep moving in a straight line at constant speed unless it is acted upon by a force" as mentioned by www.britannica.com and as per wikipedia, "The 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic is an ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2). 

One topic is related to physics and mentions about the ability of body to be in continuity of being in motion or motionless unless acted upon by an external matter. 

Remember, how we as children would continue to sleep till our mother would wake us up. 

Remember how nobody would start studying till they got a dressing. 

Remember how the topper would continue to write the answer paper till the sheet would be taken away.

Remember how the elder brother would keep sipping cool water from the only fridge bottle in summers till you cried out.

Remember how you never tidied your room till somebody found your progress report. 

Remember how the party would never be over till somebody decided to bawl.

And the list goes on endless. But most important to note is that things continue to be till something stops them or causes them to move. In fact, this post itself would not have materialized had I not called my teacher. A casual remark of adapting to a different routine led to the concept of this post. 

Coming to our second topic ie. corona virus, that is all about biology. "Corona - Naam toh suna hi hoga !" Aaj kal isike charche hai. A virus, which is not visible to the eyes; has brought an entire world to a stand still. All the law of continuing to be in motion, has come to a stop. The virus as external force has been too much for the world to continue its pace. Let alone me. 

Till a few days back, all of us were accustomed to our routine and our family's routine too. The lockdown brought with itself an unexpected discontinuity in the motion and routine. Most of us continue to do the work that we did previously or rather more. More because we need to now do the outsourced jobs too. No wonder while attending virtual meetings or webinars, we also multitask. 

We cook more, we clean more, we eat more;

            we virtually socialize more, we chat more, we act more;

We watch more, we listen more, we see more;

            we think more, we contemplate more, we create more.

The corona has indeed brought an unexpected situation before us. But at the same time, it allowed us to take a break and think. This external force has put a brake on our daily routine and given momentum to a different new YOU. Newton's law continues to hold true. We found a new inertial force to take up new hobbies or pursue the existing ones.

Trying out new recipes, indoor games, exercises, new ways of procuring essentials, looking at deserted streets, looking at blossoming nature, wondering at new birds in the neighbourhood, all will be instrumental in taking on the future. 

My Morning 'Mitra'

It is not everyday that I wait for my friend. I call him 'mitra' as is the word used in Indian language. Most mornings, my mitra would be present waiting for me or pay a customary visit when I would be waiting. Our friendship blossomed over a couple of months. We enjoyed the silent communication between us; the twinkle in the eye would be enough to convey meaningful communication. His need for food preceded any discussion. The topics of discussion were never beyond recipes and food, the preferences and loud shrieking that followed whenever there was a delay.

I would always share tastiest of food with my friend and he in turn would wait for me to get the tasty treats. Slowly, he started to take food right from my hand and would immediately run away to eat in peace. Eagerly we waited for the other to show up near the kitchen window for our morning rendezvous. My friend - the squirrel brought cheer in my busy morning. He demanded attention whenever hungry and ensured that I waited for him to come to the window whenever I brought something tasty to eat.

My morning 'mitra' is like a sunshine in our family. My husband and daughter too have a place for him in their heart. We all feel happy to hear him shriek to draw our attention. His visits may be for getting food but for us he brings cheer and joy. Thank you my morning mitra.

My Identity

"Hello Doctor ! I am Myna's mother. Could you please ... " on goes Smita's telephonic conversation with their family doctor whenever somebody in the family is sick and the clinic is not open. She is more popular as Myna's mother with the neighborhood doctor, in the building that they stay in etc. The fact that Smita is working in a multi national company, has colleagues, has her own friend circle etc; in no way matches the contentment she feels when addressed as Myna's mother. 

Smita's identity as a mother is as old as her daughter, though her identity as a person is as old as her age. But still, like most mothers, her happiness knows no bounds whenever she is known as her daughter's mother. Maybe it is the identity of being a mother that a woman cherishes the most. Maybe a woman lives her life again as a girl through her daughter; whatever be the reason, a woman loves being identified with a 'life' (read child) that she holds in her heart.

The thought made her think about 'my identity'.

A baby has the best established identity in the family. All members welcome the baby and center their activities as per the baby's needs. Babies are used to be waited upon. Gradually though, this situation changes. Baby blossoms into a child and establishing an identity among friends takes precedence. A child loves being identified for individual behavior and being the teachers pet is like cherry on top.

As a teenager, a child becomes more rebellious and assertive and tries to find identity as a group. Getting known as one member of a group / gang, ensures the identity of all like-minded set of friends. Teenagers begin to shy away from teacher's attention. They take pride in shouldering tasks between their group but responsibilities at their home; is simply not their cup of tea. They enjoy basking in the glory or the shadow of the group. Parents' show of affection embarrasses them; contradictory to their behavior as a child.

An adult on the other hand has a different personality, maturity ! They gradually take on responsibility of self, family, career, their mistakes, etc. It is this adult phase that makes one think - for the self, family, friends, society and so on. And think they must. Think on political, social, professional, personal etc issues. They easily adapt to their roles as a working professional, relaxing son / daughter, enthusiastic friend, loving spouse, proud parent. Somewhere in all this socializing, the importance of self identity gets less and less as compared to that of a child. What began as being the 'center of attention', now transits to being the 'provider of center of attention'. The adult becomes more caring and aware of the needs of others.

This awareness on others' needs; is what defines and chisels our identity. No longer does an individual crave for attention, rather he / she gives attention by way of observation. The sense of identity is in relation to the environment.

At work, a person is more about defined duties in the professional capacity. A subordinate would love to be appreciated for his effort and work whereas it is expected from the superior to look after the subordinates, encourage them etc. Employee benefits, promotions, bonuses, etc are important but a pat on the back by a superior goes a long way in boosting one's confidence and esteem.

At home, a spouse or parent or individual has more to do about steering the life through uncharted territory. This uncharted territory brings about the true nature of self. Children look up to their parents for such guidance in life. Materialistic things do bring amusement and sense of prestige in a family but it is finally the emotional well being of a family that holds the members together and goes a long way in providing the necessary comfort to a child.

Smita represents the many individuals who know the value of emotional connect among-st humans and environment alike. Her husband, daughter, relatives, friends; all contributed in shaping her personality. Even the small animals helped her identify the joys of being in their company. Her small balcony garden provided the experience to watch plants grow and flowers bloom.

The squirrel shrieked on her kitchen window for food and brought Smita back to her surroundings in the morning rush. The cat meowed at the door for some milk and Smita was trying to do justice to all while packing three lunch boxes. At home, nobody addresses her as 'madam' like they do in her office, but strangely she feels more required here, at her home. Her identity sees fulfillment as a person, mother, wife, daughter, sister and so many relations that we cherish.