The great divide

The digital gap is threatening the very basic structure of society in these times of the pandemic

During my routine cycling last week, I rode to a residential model school similar to the one I had studied. The joy and hustle of students on the campus was missing. The deserted look was disheartening. The dark shadow of the pandemic has loomed large on the education of this generation. The concept of online education has confined students to their homes and restricted the growth dimensions. I could only meet the security guard at the gate. I picked up a short conversation and enquired about his family. He had a daughter and a son. He was happy to let me know that he had purchased one cycle for his son. We exchanged our contact numbers and I made my way back promising him that I would return after the resumption of classes. This week, I got a call from the man. His voice was low and he told me that online classes had resumed and the single smartphone available at home could not cater to both his children. So, he wanted to sell off the bicycle and buy another smartphone so that both of his children can attend the classes. I felt bad for him, and said I would help him in selling the bicycle.