Shifting our lives to being indoors and under quarantine is the new normal globally. We are witnessing an unforeseen halt in all aspects of life - whether economic, social, spiritual or mental. While a pandemic was considered by some to be ‘inevitable in nature,’ this uninvited guest has been steadily challenging our inner joy and metamorphosing our mentality toward concern, fear and uncertainty.
Amidst this new reality, 16 May 2020 was a day that acknowledges a phenomenon that should be remembered - the essence of peace and the opposite of darkness – the light. This year marks the sixtieth year of the International Day of Light. We shall celebrate the significant role light plays in science, culture, traditional art, education, sustainable development and most importantly, our everyday lives. Throughout the years, this commemoration has allowed industries to unite globally and participate in activities that demonstrate how science, technology, art and culture have contributed to achieve one of the main goals of UNESCO - building the foundation for peaceful societies. Today, more than ever, this International Day of Light is a call upon the world to strengthen our scientific and social co-operation and mobilize our potential to foster peace and sustainable development as an integrated forefront.
Given the current situation, each one of us needs to find our own light, to help us remain positive and learn to live with the COVID situation and in peace. We need to bring our light forward to combat the virus together with a sense of hope for a stronger time to come.
Aligning with this ethos, and Mawlana Hazar Imam’s guidance to “build for the future under all circumstances,” the UAE and the Region Jamat has been engaging in the ‘Challenge of Change’ a weekly Programme instituted by the Ismaili Community Volunteer Response Team formed in April 2020. This virtual series include webinars by motivational speakers, economic and health experts, rare art musicians from around the world. In addition, we show videos of His Highness the Aga Khan Jubilee Visits and Events. Aimed at educating and updating the community regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and ways to cope with it, the audience is being equipped with a vision for a much brighter tomorrow by answers to their questions while sustaining a sense of unity and solidarity within the UAE and the Region Jamat. Other such family Programmes have been; ‘Beyond COVID-19: Thoughts on the Next Normal presented by Hafiz Ladha, an Associate Partner in McKinsey and Company’ and ‘The Art of Staying Positive’ presented by Jyotika Aggarwal and NCD’s and COVID-19 presented by Dr. Mahmoud Verjee, and many more such interesting webinars.
On International Day of Light 2020, the fifth ‘Challenge of Change’ session was held on the topic ‘Epidemiology of the Virus’ by Sabir Nasser.
“We must seek to redirect our energies from anxiety to hope, conduct ourselves in a way that reduces fear, increases faith and re-orientates us towards the service of others.” expressed Aziz Merchant, President of the Ismaili Community in UAE. He continued, “Someone once said, life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.”
So, as we learn to dance in the ‘new norm,’ let us celebrate this International Day of Light by igniting our own inner light and replacing fear and anxiety with hope and courage. May this day serve as a reminder for the rest of the world that an optimistic and sustainable future awaits.
Written by: Insha Bandeali
