Overcoming the insecurity!

Spring is here and a summer of fun and joy is soon to embark upon us. Families are planning their summer vacation to take the children to long awaited trips to the beaches, the national parks, or even sight-seeing tours out of the USA. Restrictions in air travel with regard to COVID protection are becoming optional choices. Testing for COVID is still required for international travels but not required for domestic flights.

Passengers in domestic travel still have to sit next to each other, as most people choose not to wear masks anymore.

Friends are getting invited to the evening dinner parties at home as fear of COVID infection is disappearing like a bad dream.

authorization of the applications from vaccine manufacturers this age group.

Most states no longer require masks in school districts as of March 11, 2022, although the mandates may change depending on severity of outbreaks. The staff and customers are no longer required to wear masks in restaurants, though unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to do so. These facilities are now permitted to operate at full capacity, without regards to six feet of distance between the seats. Wearing masks in movie theaters is optional, unless local laws require to do so.

most significantly for groceries and automobiles. It has been tough for the automobile industry to supply vehicles, both new and used ones, which is affecting the consumers adversely.

and random violence in public spaces are continuing to bring the feeling of insecurity even in places considered to be safe.

Will life become normal as before? Unlikely, at least not in a short order.

Still, there are signs for optimism, and the insecurities are slowly melting away. The human nature urges people to be with each other, to eat, laugh and talk with others.

Anjan Lahiri Vice

President

Ashok Rakhit Vice President

Arun Bhowmik

General Secretary

Chanu Das Treasurer

Pradip Majumdar

Assistant Treasurer

Yet there is a cloud of insecurity hovering over us. COVID-19 cases are rising across the country, driven by the very contagious sub variant Omicron, according to the data from the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention. No vaccine is still available for children under age 5, although the US Food and Drug Administration is considering emergency use

Most business workplaces have been able to function with their employees working remotely, but now, they are starting to enforce their office attendances at least on a part-time basis. Manufacturing companies cannot perform without the physical presence of the workers, however, they too are relaxing their mask requirements wherever they can. Because of supply chain problems in manufacturing, prices of goods have risen in all areas,

The current state of politics has added to the sense of insecurity. While there have been ideological differences between the Democrats and the Republicans, they really did not affect the average people too much. However, the differences have now widened so much between the liberals and the conservatives, that these are creating anxieties in the community. The attack on the Capitol Hill on 06 January, 2021, was unprecedented as well as unexpected. A rock solid election system in America is now shaken to its core, and people are unsure about the voting process in the next Presidential election cycle in 2024. Partisan bickering about the Critical Race Theory, the Great Replacement Conspiracy Theory, QAnon and White Supremacy have infected the political process, fueled by the unrestricted social media. School shootings

It feels good to be in a setting where we can enjoy each other’s company and relax. The community clubs are set up to provide such settings. They are gearing up to start their usual socio-cultural activities. Together, we provide support to each other, strengthen each other. The togetherness acts as a pillar of emotional support to stand against all insecurities.

Getting involved with Ananda Mandir can help to overcome the feeling of insecurity!

Guru Chakravarty Executive Editor