I woke up from a nap in the afternoon. I had nodded off readings something. For a second it felt like any other hot afternoon that is blissful after an unintended nap. After a second my brain woke up to today. Acknowledging the lock down. The constant unercurrent of realization that we are in the midst of a history making event. The world is going to be so very different as we come out the other end.
As I write this I remember being in NYC when Obama was elected president. I faintly remember the electrified air around the campus. Result viewing parties at Teacher College. Crowds gathered at Harlem. Dancing on the streets. Much much before that, Obama’s question on YahooAnswers about democracy. My inner voice saying this seems to be the beginning of something. Need to keep rack of it. Then the swelling of discourse of hope, winning primary. Some professors taking sabbatical to join the electiona campaign. I was right in the middle of it as it built up. Afterwords, I wished I had written down my impressions as things unfolded. Only a few memories remain.
As this pandemic event progresses I keep thinking I need to pen down impressions, emotions, happenings. But so far I haven’t really done anything. May this quick note be the starting of recording history in the making.
devayani tirthali 