Hello Tilly and Open,

Thanks for the question Tilly. To me it feels like a conundrum. I can share something from my recent experience.
Two of my friends and I was preparing to camp along the Varkala beach. Suddenly the police came and asked us what we were doing and where are our masks? It was clear to me that it has now become a way of the police to exert power and have greater control over the subject so that they are much more pliable. Little do they know they are being controlled by their own ignorance. I thought about sharing my perspective but different things crossed my mind. By protesting this now I could ruin the camping for my friends, I could be booked and arrested and even beaten up. I have seen viral videos of police in India beating up their subjects on the streets for not complying on the lockdown rules. I could also be booked and my bike could be confiscated for not carrying certain documents that I'm legally required to carry while riding the bike. Now all this for what ‐ for not pretending to be a responsible citizen? Ofcourse the police or anyone would think I'm a lunatic if I share the science. Even some of my open minded friends thinks so. "What does this guy know in comparison to the million other qualified doctors of this country?" It didnt seen worth all this. It would be much easier to just get on with it.

Some years before , the Indian govt made it mandatory to stand up in movie theaters for the song called national anthem they played before the movie started. It was supposed to be an expression of patriotism. How stupid can the Indian legal department become? I have sat and protested when I was supposed to stand up and at times quietly complied. I have felt less than what I really am whenever I conformed and sovereign when I didn't.
On the same note, is it not my right whether to wear a seat belt, helmet carry driving licence etc and many other things. Would I start protesting for it as well? There might also be other things that I allow without consent like using this smart phone for instance.

I understand to wear the mask or not , to protest or not are all expressions ones one's sovereignty and courage. Nothing can be forced and everyone's on their unique journey. Its interesting I misspelled forged instead of forced. Through these situation the soul can be forged!

I know Openhand is not asking anyone to be one way or another and it's all a reflection. So I thought I would provide a reflection of my thoughts on this as well.

Vimal 🙏