The truth is that we live in a connected world

So many talking points are buzzing in my mind right now, and I am confused about which topic to take for today's column. So much is happening in the world every moment that the mind is confused, or is in a state of indecisiveness. On a personal level, even if everything is under our control, it seems that there are a few things which are out of our control. If our life is happy and relaxed, it doesn't mean that we should start jumping. Most often the mind wanders to that part of Europe and Asia where tragedy and misery is the only constant. Children, elderly persons and women, all are walking homeless, forced to take shelter in the refugee camps in the neighbouring countries. Whatever had been earned, built and stored up for so many years, has been destroyed. All the possessions are left behind. Everything has gone into darkness, behind extreme sorrow, pain, suffering, frustration, and despair. How the stupidity and ruthlessness of one foolish person destroys so many dreams, houses, buildings and a nation.
 
We all weave the fabric of life in our own way, in our own capacity and make plans for the future. We dream so much and try to make those dreams come true. We work hard day and night; then someone sitting faraway takes an absurd decision, full of evil, making your dreams impossible. Think for yourself, one person, one country or a group of mighty mindless people commit a foolish act, which has a far-reaching effect on the lives of millions of people around the world. That one person can be a criminal, a terrorist, a murderer or a political figure. That one person might be implementing his evil plans, but in this world everything is interconnected. Good, bad, happiness, sorrow, everything creates a mixed effect on everyone. My mind is really troubled in this confusion today.
 
However, some comforting news is also coming. For example, the successful completion of Operation Ganga to get Indian-origin students out of the war zone. After two full years, the government's decision to resume international flights from March 27. The introduction of a digital payment service (UPI 123Pay) by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for simple feature phones having no internet connection; thus connecting 400 million people of India with the new age payment system. Meanwhile, when I met a friend of mine yesterday, he put his hand forward. After two years, I felt free to shake hands with someone. This is a big change. The unknown fear which used to be sitting in my mind has started disappearing. Slowly but surely people are now returning to their offices. There are very few people who are still on work from home (WFH) mode. As a result, there are reports of a decline in the quarterly earnings of video conferencing company Zoom. According to the latest news, between November 2021 and January 2022, Zoom's business grew by just 21 percent, compared to a growth of 191 percent in the same period last year. It's good to go back to the old times, feel free to meet friends, hang out and have fun.

(Author is a senior journalist and columnist)