On whom to rely in coming year

From a devastating second wave of COVID-19 infections to farmers calling off their yearlong protest, the year 2021 has been full of life-changing and paradigm-shifting events. It has been the unique year that has given all of us a crash course in washing our hands clean, living remotely through our routines, practicing physical distancing with all our loved ones, being very strong emotionally and mentally and coming up with new traditions for celebrating all our festivals. With the year coming to an end and a new year gearing its beginning, the new variant cases are increasing and unfortunately, the spread of virus is constant and is not relieving us in anyways. To combat against this pandemic and prevent the untimely deaths, the preventive measures along with the vaccination drive including booster doses for adults and vaccination of children will be the priority especially during the first half of New Year. However, 2022 is also going to be the year of elections wherein each citizen will have the right to exercise his/her vote and assert voice or opinion by selecting a right candidate. The right to vote is a fundamental right and to exercise that right is not only our responsibility but duty as well. Unfortunately, this duty is nowadays being influenced by various temptations, manipulations, misinformation’s and to lure the voters, an extraordinary, innovative, lucrative and materialistic ideas are being floated on social media and offered in rallies by different political parties. Since elections form the bedrock of democracy, the electoral process monitored by election commission along with the voters who are eligible to cast their votes need to pull up their sleeves, avoid falling in the trap of selfishly motivated political motives and put every effort to put the wielders of political power under check. Realising the purpose of and bringing in action the experiences gained by us in the bygone years, we should part away from the despair and take with us the pearl of self-realisation and most importantly hope. The year 2022 is, thus, an opportunity for all of us to explore new possibilities, new purpose, new growth and renewed peace provided we remain unbiased, use our ability judiciously, cast our votes in huge numbers and make right choice by selecting the candidate who works selflessly for welfare of the last man standing.

Dr. Pawan Suri

Director & Chief Cardiologist

Global Hospital, Jalandhar, Punjab

Email: [email protected]