Bharti Sharma
January arrives with a silence that is felt more than heard. The mornings are wrapped in dense fog, the air is icy and the sun appears late, often hidden behind a thick white curtain. There is no rain, only intense cold and heavy fog that lasts for hours. This winter season affects everyone in different ways. For some, it becomes a daily struggle, while for others, it quietly brings benefits and hope. Thus, January tells two parallel stories-one of difficulty and another of relief.
For school-going children, especially small kids, this season is extremely challenging. Early morning school routines become harder when visibility is low and the cold pierces through layers of clothing. Parents worry constantly about their children’s health and safety. Thick fog makes roads unsafe, increasing the risk of accidents. Children often fall sick due to the cold, suffering from coughs, colds and fevers. Even adults find it difficult to step out of their homes, but for children, whose bodies are more sensitive to weather changes, this foggy winter becomes even more troublesome.
Not only children, but elderly people also struggle during this time. Joint pains, breathing issues, and general weakness become common complaints. Even healthy adults find daily work exhausting in such conditions. Offices, markets, and daily life slow down. People prefer to stay indoors, wrapped in blankets, waiting for the sun to appear. The lack of rainfall adds to the dryness of the air, making mornings harsh and nights even colder. In cities and villages alike, winter dominates every conversation.
However, while this weather creates discomfort for many, it brings a quiet smile to the faces of farmers. The same fog that causes inconvenience to daily commuters becomes a natural blessing for agriculture. The moisture present in the fog acts like light rainfall. Tiny water droplets settle gently on crops, providing them with the hydration they need. Since there is no heavy rain, crops are protected from damage, rot or soil erosion. Instead, the fog supplies just enough moisture to nourish the fields.
Farmers observe their crops growing healthier and greener during such conditions. Wheat, mustard, vegetables, and other winter crops benefit greatly from foggy mornings. The soil remains moist, reducing the need for frequent irrigation. This also saves water and lowers farming costs. For farmers, fog becomes nature’s way of supporting their hard work. When they walk through their fields early in the morning and see dew-covered crops shining softly, it fills their hearts with satisfaction and hope.
Even though rain has not arrived yet, farmers remain optimistic. They believe that if light rain follows this foggy period, their happiness will multiply. Rain at the right time can further strengthen crops, improve yield and ensure a better harvest. A good harvest means financial stability, food security, and peace of mind for farming families. Thus, while others complain about the cold, farmers look at the sky with patience and faith.
This contrast shows how nature affects different sections of society in different ways. What feels like a problem to one group may be a solution for another. Fog is a barrier for daily life, but it is a lifeline for agriculture. Winter slows down human activity, yet it silently supports the natural cycle of farming. Such balance reminds us that nature works beyond our convenience, following its own rhythm.
January’s fog also teaches us empathy. It encourages understanding between urban and rural life. While city dwellers wait for clearer skies and warmer days, farmers accept the fog as a companion in their journey. Both experiences are real and valid. One cannot ignore the hardships faced by children, elders, and workers, just as one cannot overlook the quiet joy blooming in farmlands.
January’s cold and fog present two sides of the same coin. On one side, there are difficulties-health concerns, disrupted routines and daily struggles caused by intense cold and poor visibility. On the other side, there is hope-fields nourished by fog, crops growing stronger, and farmers smiling with quiet confidence. This season reminds us that nature never works in a single direction. It challenges some while supporting others. As we move forward, understanding this balance can help us respect both human struggles and agricultural blessings. With patience and harmony, even the coldest and foggiest mornings can lead to brighter, more hopeful days ahead.
(The writer is a student of Mass Communication & New Media at Central University of Jammu)