Lockdown diaries: Swades Foundation boss suggests expanding the circle of caring wide

Zarina Screwvala feels life has a purpose & meaning, which may not be apparent always.

By ET Bureau | Jun 04, 2020, 04.12 PM IST

Zarina Screwvala, Founder, Swades Foundation, shares her lockdown learnings.

“What one learns from these past weeks depends really on how one views the world,” says Zarina Screwvala, Founder, Swades Foundation & Member of New Acropolis. “I believe that life has a purpose and meaning, perhaps not very apparent to us always, but yet there.”

Help where you can
Screwvala says that while coronavirus and the subsequent situation we are all in, has brought humanity to a standstill, it’s also given us the chance to pause, reflect and ask whether we can extract some goodness from the experience.

“We are all responsible for one and another. The immediate outcome of this thought is to help to overcome this crisis by alleviating the pain of the most vulnerable. Help wherever and however you can. Start with those around you and expand your circle of caring as wide as you can. Remember it may not be money always that is needed but something else. Ironically now, staying home is a very good way to help,” she says,

Screwvala is also using this time for a little introspection. She tells ET Panache, “I have learnt the value of silence and stillness. Perhaps the best time to ask myself some questions.” And the solitude has taught her a few things about herself and what she wants out of life. “I want to learn to be kinder, more simple and harmonious, more authentic and truthful. I want to share what I have with others.I want to be more in tune with nature, which seems to revive itself every day. I want to be healthy and help others to be healthy”

Balconies Turning Into New Party Areas In Lockdown, Here's How To Give Yours A Facelift

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With socialising, flash mobs, dancing, and exercising, balconies are turning into venues of entertainment and ‘get-togethers.

Since most other activities are coming to a standstill, people seem to have some time in their hands, though sadly locked up in their homes. Such a scenario can be unnerving for the city dwellers. But the one place you can get some respite from the indoors is your balcony or even building terrace. Pankaj Poddar, the co-founder of Hipcouch, the Mumbai based Interior Design Company tells you how you can spruce it up. “You can make your balcony a solace during this uncertain period with a little transformation. Here is what you can do to make it happen,” he says.