Social media has indeed revolutionized the global landscape in ways that were once unimaginable. While many lament its complications and pitfalls, it’s essential to acknowledge the two distinct sides of this digital coin: one side that can be undeniably beneficial and the other that may present various challenges. Ultimately, it is our responsibility as individuals to harness the power and capabilities bestowed upon us by modern technology to enhance our lives rather than detract from them.
In this spirited atmosphere of connection, twenty-five individuals—men and women teetering on the brink of their 50th years—came together to form a WhatsApp group. What makes this gathering particularly remarkable is the undeniable bond that ties us all together: we are alumni of the same esteemed educational institution. Remarkably, it had been nearly thirty years since we last came together as a collective.
Who would dare to claim that social media is merely a nuisance? We embarked on an exhilarating journey through various social platforms, digging deep to uncover the whereabouts of many of our old schoolmates. United under a banner that proudly bore our school’s name, we found a sense of camaraderie that transcended the years. Although our members were dispersed across different continents—most in India, with a few residing in the United States and one even calling Australia home—we remained determined to maintain our connections regardless of the physical distance or time zone differences that separated us.
Conversations within the group typically revolved around lively discussions about our children’s milestones—celebrations of graduations, weddings, and other significant life events. With great enthusiasm, we shared snapshots and stories from these occasions, offering a delightful glimpse into our lives. The atmosphere was vibrant and nostalgic, almost as if we had transported ourselves back in time by three or four decades, reliving cherished memories.
Despite maintaining a predominantly active group where lively exchanges would occur regularly, our dynamic did hit a pause during the unprecedented global crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The advent of the virus threw us into a state of uncertainty and fear, compelling many of us to pivot our conversations towards the complexities surrounding the pandemic and the accompanying lockdown measures that affected us all so deeply.
As the restrictions on domestic help came into effect, the women found themselves inundated with household responsibilities, while the men wrestled with the challenges of work-from-home arrangements and intermittently stepping in to assist with family duties. This shift in our daily lives led to a noticeable dip in our group’s chatter; aside from the customary “good morning” and brief “hi” or “bye,” meaningful conversations became increasingly scarce. Nonetheless, we remained committed to honoring one another, ensuring that no birthday went unrecognized.
It was on April 20th that we commenced a heartfelt celebration for one of our group members, Karan. Yet as the day progressed, we were met with an eerie silence—Karan had not responded to our greetings, an anomaly that struck us as deeply unusual. In a group characterized by our mutual respect and support, the absence of a customary acknowledgment from Karan raised immediate concerns. Upon further investigation, we discovered that our messages had not reached him at all, giving rise to theories that perhaps his phone had become dysfunctional, rendered useless by lockdown restrictions that kept repair shops shuttered.
Fortunately, one of our members had the foresight to reach out to Karan’s brother, conveying all our well wishes on our behalf. It was during this conversation that we were met with the devastating revelation that sent shockwaves through our group—a piece of harrowing news that no one could have anticipated. Our beloved friend Karan had tragically fallen victim to the insidious clutches of the COVID-19 virus, a relentless affliction that had swept the globe with alarming velocity.
The devastating turn of events began when several family members traveled to North India for a wedding mere days before the national lockdown was implemented. Upon their return, a few among them, including Karan, fell ill with persistent fever. With symptoms that refused to abate, they were eventually hospitalized, under the grim suspicion that they had contracted the virus. While some family members showed signs of recovery, Karan’s condition alarmingly worsened. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 and entered a treatment protocol that necessitated isolation from his loved ones—an ordeal that would become all too permanent for them.
On March 31st, the family was informed of the dire state of Karan’s health; he had been placed on a ventilator to aid his breathing. The very next day, the received the devastating news of his passing. The suddenness of this loss shattered his family, leaving them heartbroken and inconsolable. The departure of a family member who had always been the picture of health and vitality creates a void that only time can hope to heal.
Caught in the whirlpool of our daily routines and the ubiquitous anxiety wrought by the relentless spread of infection, none of us grasped the gravity of Karan’s absence from our lively exchanges. His silence went unnoticed until it became glaringly apparent, underscoring the fragile nature of life and reminding us of the importance of connection—even in the face of adversity. In moments like these, we are reminded that social media, far from being a mere distraction, can serve as a vital lifeline, helping us forge and maintain connections that might otherwise fade into the annals of time.