Class of 2020

As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps the globe, unravelling the true picture of our treacherous systems of governance, another painstaking problem has emerged; online classes. Millions of students across the globe are glued in front of their laptops and mobile screens learning trigonometry and quantum physics from the comfort of their homes. As a student undergoing this trauma, I asked myself this question- Do we really need all of this? While my maths teacher went about ranting on Two Variable Statistics, and Netflix playing the last episode of Sherlock, I was in deep thought for finding answers to that fundamental question. As Robert Bridges articulated in his poem of London Snow - regardless of any opportunity that shrouds us to change our means of living, man still goes back to the faceless monotony that existed before. It took me time to realise that the afore mentioned statement is very much applicable in today's world. We live in a system, when the world throws upon an opportunity for us to rethink the way we live and progress, we stick to the usual monotony that established our routine years ago. No change in the actions we take. No change in our mindset towards life; and definitely no change in our attitude towards the future. Taking this in capacity, I dreamt of a world that assessed its weaknesses and strengths, financed the spirit of hope and nurtured peace, joy and creativity. This was a world that learnt from its mistakes and arose to rectify them and did something out of the box to break the monotony that ruled. It saddens me to see that the future of a dreaming kid lies on scribbles that are present on a piece of paper that could be ripped apart, and not by that of his character. As a future citizen of tomorrow, I envisioned myself in an aspiring world that was not ripped apart by this COVID-19 pandemic, but one that gives new meaning and realises the true essence of change. What if there are no online classes? What if there are no exams for one year? What if the people of this planet take time off to explore and rejuvenate? What if we made our lives wholesome not through pieces of paper, but through pieces of memories?
When the lockdown began, I found myself stranded at home binge watching movies, until one day as I gazed out of the window to experience a surreal feeling of enthusiasm and satisfaction. The sight of the cool breeze billowing the sweet neem trees which produced a gentle fragrance upon the cacophony of the sparrows chirping, really lifted the desolate spirit within me that wanted to fly free. These plans to explore and experience the true essence of life were shattered when my school notified the commencement of the online classes. At first, I thought, it would be a great idea as I can catch up with my teachers and friends after months of isolation. The first few days were alright with teachers struggling about with Zoom, and the chat flooded with more content and drama than the presentations. But then the problems rose. Not only did it tire out my eyes, staring at the laptop for hours over the day, it exhausted my craving of freedom. Tireless hours spent on homework, debates and projects, I felt the need to break away from this and once again explore the inner depths of my creativity. Although this contemplation never happened, I didn't want to continue the usual routine and destructive monotony. But I had no choice. No choice to explore. No choice to rejuvenate; and no choice to change. So, I had to shackle up all my hope and throw it in the bin (much like this year's performance of Ferrari in F1).

And till a few days ago, I struggled to find the practical answer to that question, only to realise that there is no "right answer".

Our world, regardless of the stupendous achievements it attained, has a lot more to do and should not bound itself to the "norms" that have lasted for eternity. It's time we put an end to this.