Life on a Treadmill

By Pragya Pandey

3rd Year, BA Sociology Honours

Design: Ayushi Rani

Sitting by the window with a lingering headache, her thoughts were consumed by the ever-changing world; a world that seemed to be running on a relentless treadmill. She had always been a lover of nature, finding joy in every aspect of it—whether it was the changing seasons or the unpredictable weather. Nature had always inspired her to embrace change and to adapt and grow gradually. But today, after taking a pill to dull her headache, she felt a sense of betrayal toward her own principles. A curious thought took hold of her mind: in this fast-paced world, have we begun to prioritize quantity over quality, and efficiency over mindful living? Whether it’s a headache or a task, we rush to get it over with, disrespecting the spirit of embracement.  Nature’s way of healing fosters a sense of patience, while the world’s treadmill pushes us to meet deadlines. It turns life into a ticking clock with an ever-looming alarm. Miss the alarm, and you’re out of the rat race. And tragically, this rat race has become the very spirit of our time.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, she watched pigeons perched on the overhead wires of the bustling metro. They were returning to their nests, seeking peace amidst the chaos of the metropolitan. She had once been like those birds, a person who cherished the sunrise and not the whispers of midnight. Watching the solitary figures walking down the busy street, she realized how deeply people have become entrenched in the rat race. They no longer have time for their loved ones, even though they claim to be running this race for their sake. They walk ambiguously and are driven by an unseen future that they hope will bring fulfillment to their lives.

We no longer appreciate food that cooks in its own steam, savoring the process and the flavors that develop. Instead, we are drawn to the convenience of instant meals. We no longer enjoy the vibrant experience of visiting sabji mandi, where colourful fruits and vegetables are sold by vendors with stories of hardship and resilience. Instead, we are satisfied with groceries delivered to our doorsteps in ten minutes or less. We have lost the ability to understand the emotions hidden behind people’s eyes, including our own. We have deprived ourselves of the simple pleasure and right of looking in the mirror and admiring the beauty of nature that reflects back at us. We have reshaped ourselves to fit into a world dominated by competition, fear of losing, and a relentless pursuit of more.

As the streetlights flickered on and the darkness settled in, she noticed the delicate flies dancing around the beams of light. Their lives are fleeting, lasting only a few hours, yet they fly with a sense of purpose and embrace the moment. How have we, as humans, become so certain of the unforeseen that we’ve stopped embracing the gradual passage of time? How are we so confident that running on this treadmill today will lead to a future filled with contentment? 

She sighed and whispered to herself, "Babu Moshay, zindagi lambi nahi badi honi chahiye!”