Every day morning, en route to school, I used to watch people clean their home’s front door area. They sprinkle some water, catch the dust down, then sweep, and then put kolam.

I had always considered it a metaphor for hope and optimism. It didn’t matter what happened yday. Today is a new day. It shall be approached with good intent. It starts with an activity that makes myself and my community better - cleaning my home. It is a task that I control, I own and I can do my dharma.

When you take a step back, the exercise seems futile given how much dust is there in India.

Yet, that daily practice - it is such a hopeful start.