Hope Springs Eternal

As the going continues to get tough for the country, we stand in solidarity with everyone suffering. And as we collectively battle the crisis, with every fibre of courage and might, it is equally critical to not lose hope... To find solace in the littlest of things, smallest of joys, and the tiniest of reliefs. In this special feature, we speak to some women, from various walks of life, on what they have turned to, to seek strength and hope in these tough times. From family and friends to complete strangers, seeking affirmations in the tried and tested, to taking a leap of faith in something totally new...the things, people, and activities that reaffirm their belief that this, too, shall pass.

- Meghna Sharma and Humra Afroz Khan

MITHILA PALKAR

ACTOR

“There are two things that have helped me stay sane during this time: my grandparents' will to keep going with a smile on their faces every single day despite the pandemic. It gives me immense strength. And secondly, my faith in humanity...that together we will conquer this, like we have conquered many hurdles in the past. That brings me hope. When I think about the future, I wish for a healthier and safer environment to live in, where we are more at ease even as we breathe. And I hope that's possible as there are currently many organisations working towards COVID-19 aid, and I too am trying to help as many as possible.”

AAVRITI R JAIN

FOUNDER AND CREATIVE HEAD, DHORA

“I have come to realise that hope lies in our ability to dream. Life can often make us cynical. So improve the world by imagining one you’d like to live in, and then create it. During trying times, my family gives me immense strength. I am lucky to be with them this lockdown, and to be able to just observe how happy they are in their routines...as well as in sitting still. I wish our generation could sit still. I am supporting a bunch of organisations in these times, like Ketto.org and FromU2Them. But, I am still a big believer of 'self'—if each of us became more conscious and sensitive in our own way of life, we can bring about a lot of change. This is a time that has made us realise that, clearly, in the end, it is people for people.

ADITI RAMESH

SINGER AND SONGWRITER