The world was already reeling under issues such as inequality, exploitation, bigotry, and racism when the novel coronavirus came along with a new set of challenges some seven months ago.
Everyone faced new issues, and many cracks in societies became more clear since the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. The virus has been infecting humans regardless of race or social stature.
The global unrest and uncertainty is a cause of trouble for all – just as it is for Dr Shashi Goel, an Indian expatriate, who has previously worked and lived in the US, and has been living in Qatar with her family for over five years now. She has not lost all hope in humanity as her family received great support from neighbours and friends from different backgrounds after her husband got infected with Covid-19 and she had to go through tough times along with her two kids.
“What I have experienced is awesome, encouraging and very humane. People from diverse backgrounds helped me, my children and my ailing husband. Their love and concern have improved my faith in humanity and universal brotherhood in the turbulent times when the world is shaken by racism,” said Dr Shashi, who insisted upon sharing her experience of living in Qatar and receiving friendly support during hard times.
Dr Shashi is an experienced educator, adept trainer, dedicated coach, and selfless mentor since 2007. She has specialised in preparing individuals and organisations for the success and challenge of the high-performance journey. Currently she gives session in training, coaching on various issues like: mental health, career success, motivational speech, self-development training, successful life, and personal development.
The educator calls Qatar a home away from home. She is all praise for the country’s acceptability for people of all religions, cultures, races and colours. “It is an Islamic country but it is very welcoming and provides home feeling to all kinds of people. People from more than 180 countries live here and they are free to follow their own faith and culture. You can find different languages, foods, cultures and religions but still all live in peaceful and homogeneous way.
“The US society is also multi-cultural and multi-religious in nature. Though there is equality for all in US, I observed some disturbing practices. For example, I still remember they used to seclude the housing for people based on their skin colour.”
It took Dr Shashi some time to observe and understand the life and culture in Qatar. “I remember as I arrived in this new country first time. It was all new experience for me. But what I was carrying with me is openness and acceptance. I started my own research to find friends. I initially preferred to live in apartment rather than in villa. I wanted to have friends and some people to known me. On the same floor, there were three other families, all from different countries. My neighbours were from Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, and Pakistan. I have only either heard or read about these countries. I started to greet and say hello to them and tried to find friends for me and my children. I used to cook and offer them. I realised that they were also human like me who are also looking for friends. I also made more new friends after we moved to another house.”
Dr Shashi experienced strength of friendship and kindness of neighbours when her husband got infected by coronavirus. “My husband Dr Atirek Goel is a medical practitioner. He was hospitalised for 15 days. Initially, there was no improvement and my heart sunk in sadness. We had stressful days and worrisome nights. I could not meet him and did not know what was going on.
“I got full support from all doctors and his friends and colleagues. They kept me updated about his health. They are from India, Pakistan, Iraq, Egypt, South Africa, Dominican Republic, Canada, and UK.
“I have no hesitation in saying that here doctors are very hardworking. The Ministry of Public Health and doctors of Hamad Medical Corporation are working hard while treating every infected patient with utmost care.”
Though Dr Shashi and her two children were not infected but they had to deal with mental stress and unending uncertainty. In this situation they received real support from their neighbours and friends. “I got severe back pain attack and could not move. One of my neighbours, who is from Egypt, immediately came to my house and stayed with us for whole night taking care of me and my kids. Today I am fine and my husband is recovering well. Kids are having friends and I have a family. So, I would like to call it my family away from family.
“We never thought of country, nationality, culture, race, colour, religion, or politics. What we thought is: humanity and love. I wish we all do the same way and make this world a place for love, care, and support to each other.”
u201cI have no hesitation in saying that here doctors are very hardworking. The Ministry of Public Health and doctors of Hamad Medical Corporation are working hard while treating every infected patient with utmost careu201d u2014 Dr Shashi Goel
