26/05/2025

MONDAY | MAY 26, 2025

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A S a Malaysian who recently returned from a pilgrimage to the sacred cities of Ayodhya, Prayagraj and Varanasi in northern India, I found myself reflecting not on just the spiritual weight of the journey but also on the vivid diversity of people, communities, livelihoods and attitudes that unfolded before me. My family of six braved the peak of summer, ignoring warnings from well-meaning friends about the heat and the simmering tensions between India and Pakistan. My mother always said that no amount of planning can guarantee a pilgrimage; it happens only when a divine call beckons. Yet, as a keen traveller, my focus frequently drifted from the holy sites that captivated my family to the people who animated these places, observed through the small window of our vehicle on the road and the vast lens of my imagination. India, a land of endless contradictions, never fails to baffle me. Foremost among its puzzles is the remarkable complacency towards cleanliness and hygiene. Dirt and filth seem to blend into the daily rhythm of life, unnoticed by locals who have grown accustomed to their presence. Varanasi, a spiritual magnet drawing millions from India and

Snapshots of a pilgrimage

a way of life, honed over generations in cities that pulse with chaos and possibility. Despite this, there is an undeniable vibrancy in the communities. In Varanasi’s narrow lanes, I saw shopkeepers banter with customers, their voices rising above the clamour of scooters and bells. In Prayagraj, roadside chai stalls doubled as social hubs where locals exchanged stories with the ease of old friends. Ayodhya, steeped in historical weight, buzzed with entrepreneurs selling everything from trinkets to elaborate puja (prayer) kits. These people are not just surviving, they are thriving in their own way, carving out livelihoods in the shadow of sacred sites. Their resilience is a testament to the human spirit, even if it sometimes feels cloaked in pragmatism. As a traveller, I am drawn to these human stories more than the monuments or rituals. The old man squatting by a Varanasi ghat, tending his wares with calloused hands and tired eyes or the young girl weaving through crowds to sell garlands and trinkets, their lives telling a story of adaptation and endurance.

routes. Money, I observed, commands a reverence that often overshadows humanity itself. Kindness and empathy, when extended, frequently come with a price tag. A seemingly selfless act – a porter carrying your bag or a guide leading you through a temple’s labyrinth – often ends with a demand for payment that catches you off guard. This transactional undercurrent runs deep, a reminder that survival in these bustling hubs favours the bold and the resourceful. Impractical values like altruism seem to hold little sway in a landscape where every interaction is an opportunity to secure a livelihood. How, then, does one navigate a place that seems wired to extract the maximum gain for minimal effort? I have no clear answer. This dynamic is not unique to India; it is a thread that runs through many third-world nations. Yet, India’s scale and intensity amplify it. The street vendors, rickshaw drivers and shopkeepers are not merely opportunistic, they are part of a complex ecosystem where every rupee counts. Their hustle is a survival tactic and

beyond, exemplifies this paradox. Its sacred ghats and bustling streets are alive with devotion, yet they are often cloaked in grime that feels at odds with the city’s sanctity. The sheer volume of pilgrims and tourists makes

Yet, I could not shake the unease of being seen as a walking wallet, a foreigner whose value lay in what I could spend. It is a sobering reminder that travel, especially in places like India, demands vigilance and an open heart. Returning to Malaysia, I carry these observations like snapshots, each one a fragment of a larger, messier picture. India challenges you to see beyond the surface, to grapple with its contradictions without judgement. It is a land where faith and commerce collide, where survival sharpens human instincts and where communities pulse with life despite the odds. My pilgrimage was less about divine encounters and more about witnessing humanity in its raw and unfiltered form – a series of struggle, ingenuity and relentless hustle. DrBhavani Krishna Iyer holds a doctorate in English literature. Her professional background encompasses teaching, journalism and public relations. She is currently pursuing a second master’s degree in counselling. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

maintaining cleanliness a Herculean task, and it is clear that habit and necessity are often in contradiction. Travelling through

these cities, I saw stark contrasts in livelihoods. There are those who live with meagre means, scraping by with resilience that humbles the observer and others who dwell in opulence as if it were their birthright. In India, no matter the region, people have mastered the art of making hay while the sun shines. Tourists are gold mines and locals possess an uncanny ability to spot an outsider. As Malaysians, we were easily marked, perhaps by the way we dressed, spoke or carried ourselves. Our foreignness was a sign, signalling opportunity to those who make their living on the margins of pilgrimage

LETTERS letters@thesundaily.com Minimising risks as Covid cases rise

COMMENT

Nature and humanity, hand in hand MALAYSIA is home to some of the world’s richest biodiversity. From lush rainforests and winding rivers to vibrant coral reefs, our natural heritage provides clean air, fresh water, food security, climate stability and cultural identity. To achieve true sustainability, we must recognise that nature is not just a resource but is also the foundation of life. When ecosystems thrive, they help secure a sustainable future for all.

SINGAPORE has seen a recent spike in Covid-19 cases, with an estimated 14,200 infections recorded between April 17 and May 3 – up from 11,100 the previous week, according to health authorities. In response, some businesses have reactivated contingency plans to manage staff shortages and protect customer health. Health authorities have indicated that periodic waves of Covid-19 infections are expected throughout the year. Currently, two subvariants of the main JN.1 strain are circulating in Singapore, accounting for over two-thirds of locally sequenced cases. The JN.1 variant is the basis for the formulation of the current Covid-19 vaccine. Doctors have noted that the disease remains mild in most cases and is now treated as endemic, similar to the common flu. Given the close ties and frequent interaction between Singapore and Malaysia, our health authorities must remain vigilant and prepared to respond proactively to this potential threat. The recent outbreak is attributed to waning immunity as booster vaccination rates decline. Older adults aged 60 and above, especially those with comorbidities, and residents of nursing homes appear to be more vulnerable to the disease. It is recommended that high-risk individuals, including healthcare workers and caregivers of the elderly, receive an additional vaccine dose about one year after their previous shot. Babies over six months of age may also receive the vaccine to enhance their protection. Pharmacies should maintain an adequate supply of self-test kits for public use. The public is advised to practise good personal hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. The previous anti-Covid measures should be reinstated, including minimising social interactions and avoiding unnecessary travel, especially when feeling unwell. Mask-wearing should also make a comeback. After all, being forewarned is being forearmed. Dr A. Soorian

Some of Malaysia’s most treasured wildlife includes the Malayan tiger, the Bornean orangutan, Borneo pygmy elephant, Malayan tapir and endangered sea turtles, such as the Green turtle and Hawksbill turtle. These remarkable animals are not only symbols of our national and natural heritage but they are also indicators of the health of our environment. They remind us of the urgent need for conservation. Our biodiversity is under threat. Habitat loss, pollution, unsustainable practices and climate change are pushing species and ecosystems to the brink. World Biodiversity Day was celebrated on May 22 and this year’s theme, “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development,” reminds us that the health of our planet is inseparable from human progress. It highlights the interconnectedness between the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The message is clear, whereby we cannot achieve sustainable development without protecting biodiversity. Nature supports every aspect of sustainable development, from poverty mitigation and health to economic growth and climate resilience. In recent days, the heart-breaking loss of a baby elephant has sparked widespread concern. The government has also responded and agreed to create more ecological corridors to enable wildlife to move across landscapes, which can thus reduce conflict. These corridors will also benefit many other wildlife species and allow the ecosystem to thrive. These commitments reflect the ambitions of the GBF, particularly Target 2, which aims to restore at least 30% of degraded ecosystems,

Living in harmony with nature is not just a dream for the future; it is a choice we must make every day. – PIC COURTESY OF WWF-MALAYSIA

conservation, sustainable palm oil, responsible forestry and circular economy innovations, all in close collaboration with communities, businesses and policymakers. Together we are building landscapes where wildlife can thrive and people can prosper. Living in harmony with nature is not just a dream for the future; it is a choice we must make every day. Every action matters, from supporting conservation efforts to embracing sustainable lifestyles. Change begins with us. Let us embrace a future where nature and humanity move forward hand in hand, ensuring a healthier, more resilient planet for generations to come. Because at WWF Malaysia, we believe it is only “together possible”. Join us in making a difference. WWF-Malaysia’s mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

and Target 9, which focuses on minimising human-wildlife conflict through sustainable solutions. This approach also supports the objectives of SDG 13, which calls for urgent climate action and highlights the importance of ecosystem connectivity and adaptive management to build climate resilience. In addition, it aligns with SDG 15, which promotes the protection, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems to safeguard life on land. Protecting biodiversity is not just about saving wildlife. It is about safeguarding our future. By restoring ecosystems and improving landscape connectivity, we can build a more resilient and sustainable Malaysia for generations to come. All parties, including the private sectors should work together with the government and conservation bodies towards this cause. At WWF-Malaysia, we are committed to solutions that benefit both people and nature. Our living landscape effort integrates tiger