It is the time of turmoil, rather a dangerous time. So how are we, as human race doing?

On one hand, Covid-19 still continues to strangle humankind, as every single day people we know or relate to are being suffocated to death or being pushed to the street to risk their lives to make ends meet. On the other hand, the silence of a peaceful night was shattered as a fleet of rockets rained on Palestine, flooding the streets, hospitals with blood. Five Palestinian innocent children were arrested and detained by the Israeli army officers for picking wildflowers and vegetables.

So, the answer is no, we are not doing well, not even close. Being alive in this time is indeed fortunate yet so shameful. A few months ago, we announced that new and much-improved Cocoon was going to bring new exciting features and surprises to you soon. But being present in this wretched time, we lost the will to speak about these merry things. Initially, we thought about remaining silent but it sure will be a sign of betrayal to a lot of people who waited.

As we speak, those good friends around us who are working relentlessly day in, day out aiding covid patients with beds in the hospital, or by bringing oxygen cylinders, medicines and home-cooked food to covid patients at home, without even charging a single penny in this challenging time, Cocoon salutes you. Similarly, we pay our gratitude to our seniors and those kind-hearted individuals who are doing pro bono work by selling their photographs, painting etc. and donating the money to the covid affected people or to a fund. People like them, directly or indirectly, are persistently providing us with the courage to bring back Cocoon. If somebody’s writing, photograph or painting can reach the community and let us know and reflect upon their bitter-sweet stories, then with all our heart, we should embrace it.

A few years ago, a very close associate of us said, ” I wish to translate the poems of war-ridden refugee Palestinian poets more and more. With my limited ability, I wish to convey the horrific stories of Palestine to the world and make them aware of how cruel, unsympathetic the army of one’s country can become.”

We understand Cocoon has limited ability, maybe next to nothing. Cocoon is fully committed to standing by those who are impromptu fighting for the betterment of covid patients. Cocoon has to return as the messages and stories must reach the community which were carried out in the forms of photographs, paintings and articles by our fellow friends and respected individuals. We heartily believe art can bring people together and resolve our difference. If Cocoon can reach some people and bring them closer, together, the battle against these adversities will be easier. Art and Artists are not entirely different entities, so it is not a bad idea that these two should stick together in this horrendous time. Isn’t it?

We hope, this planet will soon recuperate from its illness.
We hope the Israeli Government will soon recover from its illness.
We hope, flowers will bloom again soon in fully healed Palestine-Gaza.

We should keep in mind what Red said at the end in Shawshank Redemption, “I hope to see my friend and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope.”

– Abir Ganguly, Editor