Dear Readers,

And just like that, we will enter the last month of 2021 in a couple of days! Even as most are getting into the festive mood, we look over our shoulders every so often, in keeping with the rumours of the potential outbreak of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, in India.

Providing much hope and relief, a few days ago, leading medical expert and AIIMS Chief (New Delhi), Randeep Guleria, shared that it was unlikely that India would see a third wave. He predicted that Covid-19, like swine flu (H1N1), would become endemic and the disease would cyclically affect the vulnerable and immune-suppressed populations, but wouldn’t acquire a severe form as previously seen in terms of the record rise in infections and deaths during the brutal second wave that we suffered earlier this year, in April and May.

Despite India being currently gripped by raging air pollution and falling temperatures – conditions presumed to be optimal for a surge in coronavirus infections – it would be safe to assume that we have been able to dodge another deadly wave. So, there’s much to be grateful for! And what better way of expressing gratitude than to share happiness, cheer and generosity, with not just our loved ones, but more so, with those who need it; and have not been as fortunate as the rest of us, in terms of escaping unscathed or with minor setbacks, through these past couple of years.

While we would need to continue following the covid appropriate protocols, especially keeping those masks on, for a while longer, let us open our hearts and reach out to those who could do with our presence and support. After all, as the saying goes, ‘There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.’

Have a lovely weekend!

– Anahita