2022 or 2020 too? Fortunately for us, the new year started off auspiciously, with IBA finally committing to doing away with the hourlies and reinstating physical classes. Covid, once a formidable foe, has been relegated to the back of most minds with cases dropping off daily. It is always a good idea to be cautious, no doubt, but for once in a long, long time, one can hope. Hope for, dare I say it, a return to normality in life, both on campus and off it.
Pfft, Covid….what’s that?
First of all, congratulations!!! You did it. You survived two grueling years of a pandemic that shook society to its core. If that doesn’t deserve a pat on the back, I don’t know what does. And, to top it off, Covid cases seem to finally be decreasing. Granted they may shoot up with a subsequent wave, but this time, we have vaccines in our arsenal. After what seems like an eternity, the light at the end of the tunnel is in sight.
Furthermore, numerous services that had previously shut down because of the virus, are now restarting/reopening. Be it cinemas, indoor dining, or even airlines, every aspect of society is slowly contributing towards restoring that sense of normalcy we so desperately crave.
Physical classes in full swing
If you were to tell students a few years ago, that they would be glad to attend classes, they’d have laughed at you. IBA’s decision to conduct physical classes for this semester, however, was met with resounding approval (amazing what a lockdown does). For this year, expect to forgo the monotony (and connection issues) of online classes. Rather, be prepared to interact in a physical setting once again and relive the familiarity of the dreaded classroom.
Campus life makes a return?
Arguably one of the worst-hit by the epidemic, campus life may yet return. We did see certain glimpses of its gloriousness (Kashmir’s concert, Music Society’s inauguration, etc.) during 2021. However, IBA does have a lot more to offer within this department, especially in terms of sports, society events, and even general student life.
Keeping this in mind, a word of advice to freshmen would be to anticipate such events and participate in them diligently. Covid has robbed many of their prime years, but you can still make up for them.
2022 is not all roses, however, and there is a very high chance this article ends up aging like milk. While the hazard of past Covid variants seems to have been neutralized, Omicron looms in the distance, threatening to plunge us back into darkness. Nevertheless, we cannot live our lives in fear. Do avail whatever facilities university will provide, but remember to simultaneously follow SOPs and do what’s best for everyone.
We survived 2020 and 2021. Let’s not make this 2020 too.
