Ask the sailing warriors!

” Tested positive, yet sailing. Bodies are on the verge of surrendering, yet sailing.”

The more you’re getting frustrated about failing to bring in your preferred beverage on time, the more you’re complaining about having the same biscuits every morning, the more impatient you’re becoming while looking for the same old variety in your menu, the more they are struggling hard against those gigantic waves to make sure the ships of meal reach the deck on time before any stomach starts aching out of hunger.

A major percentage has clearly forgotten that while the noble doctors are sacrificing their addresses in order to control the death toll as much as it is in their hands, likewise the seafarers have combined their days and nights, surrendering their ease to assure us that even if we are choked to death due to this pandemic, at least we don’t drown out of hunger.

Yes seafarers are conditioned to hazards but passing through an invisible global health threat is tough. And instead of strictly lying down behind the door, they haven’t given up on constantly putting in their efforts of reaching out to us via those bulks of cartons bearing medicines, essentials and every need. Despite having their share of precautions they are barely letting their ears to their alarming body systems and yet it feels so strange that neither you and I nor the rest of the population gave it a thought of saluting them from our respecting roofs for standing firm throughout. 

If I may say, they are barely sleeping as currently in this very crucial stage, their every breath counts the lines of anxiety on our foreheads, will you agree with me? If not, read in between the lines again!

Keeping note that the authorities are certainly looking out for methods of outreach and if reports are to be believed then they have thought of maintaining positive relationships with others who board vessels as it is very important in a way of reaching out to the seafarers with care and letting them know that they aren’t alone. Well having said that, if you ask me, I was entirely clueless about the certain measures undertaken unless I referred to Google, because after all, I, as a so-called responsible citizen, neither recalled their designation while talking about the major contribution different fields are pouring in, nor did I even thank them in any mere way. 

You see this image? It’s the current satellite image of ships carrying goods across the globe. I shall be further asking you to recall the period you are breathing in, that is the lock down period. Now, do the sea routes, in any manner, look like they are locked down as well? I can’t see. Can you? Looking at this image, clearly illustrating the responsible bread bearers and the restless suppliers of the tons of essentials every hospital is sweating out for on a daily basis, I no longer feel like nagging about how I miss starting my day having proper bowls of lip smacking breakfast and how suffocated I feel staying under a roof with fans, air conditioners and over and above, a healthy family. 

Are you safe at your homes sipping Dalgona coffee with your family? Are you having a sound sleep at any hour of the day and night? Do you hear the birds wishing you a warm morning every time you wake up? Ask the Sailing Warriors! The warriors, sailing far away from their aged parents or maybe doting wives or maybe also their children who are still crawling. All they can hear is the waves constantly reminding them why are they here and what for. Ask them even when they sleep, are they really sleeping? All they have are photographs that in turn is their sole source of strength and weakness. 

Come! On this National Maritime Day, let each of us salute every one out there on board; with pride and utmost respect because this current period couldn’t tutor us any better that they are sailing therefore we are! 

Shrestha.S.Purkayastha