We all have read and heard that people above the age of 60 years are at greater risk from Covid19, and that, among other steps they need to take to reduce their chances of getting infected, they must practise social distancing much more stringently than younger people.
This would lead us to believe that people above the age of 60 years would not be able to help others during the lockdown.
Mr. Shyam Sunder, 66 of Chennai has proved that this is not necessarily the case.
From Day 1 of the lockdown in India, he has created one Word Puzzle every day. These puzzles are circulated by WhatsApp to over 330 persons. Many of these persons circulate the puzzles to one or more WhatsApp groups each. Thus, every day, Mr. Shyam Sunder’s Word Puzzles reach over 1,000 persons all over the world! Of course, not all these persons solve these Word Puzzles, but it would be safe to say that around 200 persons solve these Word Puzzles each day. By keeping people occupied for a couple of hours every day in an indoor activity that they enjoy, these Word Puzzles have helped them to some extent to deal with the stress caused by the uncertainty of the Coronavirus pandemic.
While all this appears a minute and trivial part of the current situation, many of Mr. Shyam Sunder’s newly acquired fans, none of whom has met him, have acknowledged his Word Puzzles as a stress buster. Some comments are:
SV: Heck, wishing you a good morning has become problematic!
Because my wishes are sincere.
And the number of poeple wishing you good morning as a nudge for Shyam Sunder’s Word Puzzles must be legion.
NM: Today’s puzzle was great! Looking forward to the next one. My school group, college group and other family groups enjoyed it. Thanks.
SL: When is today’s Word Puzzle coming? All my other groups are asking. That’s how popular Mr. Shyam Sunder has become. (This message was posted approximately 45 minutes after the usual time at which the Word Puzzle is posted.)
AM: A puzzle a day keeps the psychiatrist away!
PP: I think I’ve become a puzzlaholic!
SV: Is there a blog page where SS can be thanked? His fans would like to express their appreciation.
It is in response to the last message that I have published this blog post after a hibernation of almost 5 years!
Thank you, Mr. Shyam Sunder!
Proactive Indian 