The ushering in of a Global Indian 2021 seemed so extraordinary - surreal in fact.
No family and friends mingling, no hugs and handshakes for the neighbours - for the very first time in my life, and I suspect for countless others, the dawning of the new year could not have been so different as it was last night.
The hell and fury of a violent lightning storm a couple of hours before served as the storm before the lull.
Yet this ominous prelude ended as it had begun - suddenly. It all seemed so bizarre and uncanny.
There was a deafening, yet eerie stillness before the stroke of midnight - as if time stood still - even if for a moment.
And then it began.
The night sky became ablaze with fireworks all around as the clock struck twelve - like a war zone - screams and cheers filled the air - it spoke to relief and the ease of burden of a year that has consumed and consumed - and consumed.
I guess, in many respects, there was a release of frustration, angst and despair - and as the skies brightened with artificial light, it signified hope - a quiet hope that the challenge we are all facing is indeed surmountable.
While there will be an empty seat - or seats, at many-a-dinner table and deep sadness for many more, we can only wish and pray and hope that we will be spared the affliction that so many of our loved ones were not as fortunate to escape.
The dice of life is being played out at a frenetic pace suddenly and we need to be on our guard.
And then there was silence!
So begins Anno Domini 2021 - with fear and hope - with an enduring human spirit to survive - with anxiety and uncertainty, but with a universal prayer that we all must make this year one of redemption for all humankind against Covid-19.
A happy, blessed and safe 2021.
By our Global Indian correspondent in South Africa Narendh Ganesh
-------------------------------
Support change: A little favour to ask-We believe true freedom is to be able to act without fear or favour and that identity is not a “brand” to be abused, politicized, or reduced for personal gain. As Global Indians, the need to work together is greater now than ever before. If we want to see real change, we need to create a better society for all, tackle injustice and plunge into the many aspects of what the human experience truly offers.The Global Indian Series has been built to be a platform of integrity, fairness and to remain fiercely independent of political influence. We are the first in the world to connect with every echelon of society with all human voices being treated equally. We are the first to have travelled physically to locations far and wide, often putting our own lives on the line to bring forward stories that deserve to be told. Whether it’s through our Podcast that delves into the human experience behind identity, our articles and features that cover key events we need to know, or live based events that tackle topical discussions, we have been there to support a better community and planet.Despite the high costs and time needed to maintain our work, we continue, because we know our work has helped more people understand what is happening within the communities across our planet, why it matters, and how, together, we can demand progress. We challenge head-on, the silent divisions that have crept into our collective consciousness and how to tackle key issues that often go neglected in mainstream media.How you can help:Please share our work: By collaborating with others who share our values, our combined voices make change, with many more becoming inspired to take meaningful action.Subscribe to the platform:Many from across our community have decided to subscribe to our platform. It helps us grow which in turns attracts like-minded supporters. If you have not already, we would appreciate you subscribing to our newsletters and following our social media accounts. It is free and supports our journey.
