I am pursuing a masters degree in counselling psychology from CHRIST, Bengaluru; right now, remotely. Until a month ago, my Instagram DM was flooded with messages from friends and acquaintances, seeking help with anxiety they were struggling with during the pandemic. I thought it ethically wrong to offer professional advice as a student, and offered them the contacts of mental health resources,” recollects Chennai resident Khushi Jain, 23. Dealing with a flood of messages every day and juggling her own personal commitments meant that she missed one message that came to her from a young man, who wanted advice on how he could encourage his father to put up a fight against the infection while he was in hospital. When she replied a few days later, she learnt he was no more. 

Jain wishes things had been different. The guilt she has been living with for having missed the chance to do her bit is one that millions across the world are grappling with. Are they doing enough to ease the suffering of others? Are they morally corrupt for enjoying a few hours of happiness of indulgence when so many around them have lost their lives?