This generation is facing one of the greatest global challenges of human existence during the last two years. A pandemic has gripped the world and refuses to release its clutches. Waves after waves of infections are battering the population. Death and destruction of human lives are flooding the news channels. Government is left with a baffling situation of managing the surge. Humans are fighting for the most basic need to breathe. These dark cloudy days of illness and hopelessness hang low in every mind. Loss of dear and near one is a constant reminder of fragile life. Children are relegated to sit at home and watch the world go by through a screen.

This is a war on the human civilization, undeclared, but real. On one side is an invisible enemy in vast number with stealth and killer instinct. On the other side are women and men giving their lives to defend others. These are the hero’s or superwomen of this age, as pop culture would define. I speak of none other than the keepers of the great legacy of Florence Nightingale. Nurses as we formally address them today, are at the forefront of this war. The ordinary corporals, the foot soldiers burdened with the task of facing the enemy in its eye while defending their patient. Tireless and duty bound, they keep doing their best, day after day. They understand well enough that the enemy might not spare them and yet, they are present everyday without worrying about their own families, to protect and care for unknown patients.

It then becomes the moral responsibility of all citizens to recognize their contribution. Nurses shall be judged in no less terms than a war hero for their great gallantry service and sacrifice.

On the International Nurses day, being observed on 12th May, it is our obligation to honor the Nurses for their contribution to the care and sustenance of life, for their diligence and service towards humanity. It is even more pertinent to call out the world to recognize their altruistic efforts during the pandemic.

As a Keralite, I am indeed very proud to be part of a culture where Nurses in the family are considered as a blessing. I have read in an article abroad that most nations prefer Keralite Nurses because of their knowledge, experience, tenacity, and affectionate attitude. It is worthwhile to mention here the contribution of Nurses who have travelled abroad to find work and support their families back home. They have and are still the backbone of Kerala’s economic development. Besides, our state is also considered as one of the most well developed in terms of primary healthcare. Thanks once again to the Nurses for their contribution.

On behalf of myself and my family, I take this opportunity to personally thank the Nurses at Believers Church Medical College Hospital. My father (Raju K Abraham) was diagnosed with a large Peritoneal Tumor in January 2021. His tumor was removed surgically on 12 February 2021 at Believers Church Medical College Hospital. It was a major operation which lasted 14 hours. Post operation, my father recovered very quickly and has returned to normal life. We have no words to express our gratitude to all the Doctors, Nurses and support staffs who managed the situation during and after his operation. I especially thank all the Nurses at 6th floor, Operation theatre, ICU and HDU for their tireless effort and sleepless nights caring with love and dedication. Despite your personal state of mind, all of you would sport a smiling and caring persona clearly encouraging all the others.

We thank you once again for your service to mankind and hope and pray that God gives you health, courage and all the blessings that you rightfully deserve.

Matthew 25:40 The king will answer them, ‘I can guarantee this truth: Whatever you did for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did for me.

Blessed are the Nurses whose selfless service is pleasing to our Lord. May the hands of our Lord heal this  world.