Communication and remaining connected is the primary means through which individuals share and exchange information, ideas and thoughts-most importantly fosters strong relationships and affects our everyday lives. Being the cornerstone of human interaction, effective communication facilitates understanding, resolves conflicts and promotes collaboration. Whether verbal or nonverbal, it is the key to a harmonious family and society life, nurturing empathy and building trust in each other like a tool for human connection, understanding and progress. This is true in every aspect of life, whether in personal relationships, professional or social interactions. In personal relationships, it allows individuals to express their feelings and needs, while also listening to and acknowledging others. Recently I was invited to a social function to celebrate the 75th birthday of a good family friend. The Master of Ceremonies for the day announced a spot prize for the first person coming up with the maximum number of contact numbers on his /her mobile phone. Many rushed forward with their phones and ultimately a young lady whose phone had contacts numbering a few thousands, won the prize. Immediately a question crossed my mind. All of us have lots of contacts but are we really connected with them? Whether at home or in the Society, everyone does have contacts, but there is no connection. Everybody is busy in his or her own world. In our families, specially, we have our father, mother, sometimes elderly grandparents, siblings, spouses and children who many a times are taken for granted. Their presence or absence, sometimes goes unnoticed. Sitting together, sharing meals and caring for each other, touching and shaking hands, having eye contact, spending some quality time together are things which are gradually getting forgotten in the busy times of our lives. I am sure for many of our youngsters these are already old fashioned practices. All our brothers, sisters, other family members and our friends do have the contacts but many a times no connections with each other. This could be due to various reasons like financial and property disputes or some silly misunderstandings carried forward through generations. Let us not maintain just our contacts but let us remain connected and communicate with each other at regular intervals-caring, sharing and spending time with all our near and dear ones!! Remember time is short. Let not our contacts remain as records and become memories to haunt us with a situation wherein we might cry by remembering the good times and the days we laughed together!!! Until we meet again, stay safe and take care..
Felix Dias
..Editor..