Covid-19 attack is in peak now. Many countries, regardless of their economic, social advancements, are now in the grip of this tiny, reckless and furious attacking virus. I firmly believe that we will come out of this horrendous situation pretty soon. But I, personally learnt few lessons, which I thought must be noted down.
There were few beliefs (rather hope), I had in my mind, created by our mainstream and social media. (Yes, I was such a fool.)
It was believed that virus will not survive in hot and humid weather. I must admit my ignorance, that is, I too believed Covid will not spread in Chennai. Well, when it comes to hot and humid weather, isn't Chennai the perfect place?
To my dismay, I found that it was not true. There were additional conditions required for such miracle to happen. In open, public places, however hot and humid it may be, virus will spread from one person to another via droplets.
What a disappointment, considering I was welcoming the month of April in Chennai this year!
Then after few trial and error, social distancing is found to be best until a vaccine/medicine is found. But it was a bit late by that time because in this part of world, having a high population density, social distancing was very new. State Governments are trying their best to educate people about social distancing so as to contain this highly contagious virus. unfortunately, it can not be refuted that virus is one step ahead of us already.
Comparing to earlier pandemics in history, the number of death this time is very less. At the same moment, the disturbing fact is, we are scientifically, medically, communicating / educating wise, very much advanced today while comparing with the recent 19th or 18th centuries. Therefore, direct comparison of number of deaths is not appropriate and unacceptable.
Social distancing is perhaps one of oldest methods to escape, like evacuating village in case of one cholera case! We have no choice but it is a mystery where and how we missed out 'that choice'.
That is not for me to worry. I am just another common, ignorant, normal person. But I can't resist myself from pondering over other actions required from us. Since social distancing is essential and possible let's move to others.
Nutrition food: Here we encounter the first issue. We have a large percentage (may be the largest by means of population) poor people. In a normal day, getting two meals per day itself is a problem for them. How can they even dream about nutritious food? The word 'Balanced diet' will be a joke to them. Undoubtedly, poverty kills first. So, we have a very long way to go towards reaching nutrition for poor.
Next, old people having health issues are considered risky, for example, commonly prevailing conditions like diabetes and cardio issues. Do we really care or do we just sigh with a relief?
We can't complain! After crossing a age limit, contribution of elders towards our economy is very bleak and they're also a burden economically. Alas, it is a relief for few families!
Though we see mortality rate is high among elders above certain age, we tend to ignore that the next generation is also mostly having the same issues at younger age. We see a high percentage of diabetic patients in 40's or even in mid 30's.They'll be missed from this wave of Covid-19 but next wave of an epidemic could be around the corner. How are we going to rescue ourselves?
Next is children. That is a big subject to discuss so leaving it out here.
Going back to 40's age group having diabetes or other health issues, we are being told that the primary reason for this situation is believed to be stress in minds.
Oh! Where and when we didn't have stress? From morning to evening, from home to office - we run fast, adrenaline shooting high into brain as if a devil is chasing. Or as if believing that I am the core of this world and earth's rotation will stop abruptly if I were not here tomorrow?
The best lesson this virus taught us is that we are just another living species on this planet. We must slowdown our pace because now it is very evident that even if entire human race is extinct this planet will still go on with other species.
Therefore, summarizing all above, I feel - and believe you also will agree that, we must slowdown, to live peacefully, spend time with family and nature. We need not run blindly to satisfy someone's greediness.We must observe that poverty kills. Rich or poor, we all live on same planet and we are all interconnected. I can see and enjoy a person falling too far away but i must realize that the chain link will come to me sooner or later and my fall is inevitable.
Let us live our life thoroughly; let us live for our family; let us live for entire human progress, let us strive for each and every human's happiness. It may sound impossible but do we have any other choices?
Humans, the greatest living species this planet has seen, have done innumerable impossible acts. Our journey was tough and long, but we succeeded so far. We will progress further learning one lesson from this critical event; throw away greediness and stand united.
**************************************
R.Bharathram
15 April 2020
There were few beliefs (rather hope), I had in my mind, created by our mainstream and social media. (Yes, I was such a fool.)
It was believed that virus will not survive in hot and humid weather. I must admit my ignorance, that is, I too believed Covid will not spread in Chennai. Well, when it comes to hot and humid weather, isn't Chennai the perfect place?
To my dismay, I found that it was not true. There were additional conditions required for such miracle to happen. In open, public places, however hot and humid it may be, virus will spread from one person to another via droplets.
What a disappointment, considering I was welcoming the month of April in Chennai this year!
Then after few trial and error, social distancing is found to be best until a vaccine/medicine is found. But it was a bit late by that time because in this part of world, having a high population density, social distancing was very new. State Governments are trying their best to educate people about social distancing so as to contain this highly contagious virus. unfortunately, it can not be refuted that virus is one step ahead of us already.
Comparing to earlier pandemics in history, the number of death this time is very less. At the same moment, the disturbing fact is, we are scientifically, medically, communicating / educating wise, very much advanced today while comparing with the recent 19th or 18th centuries. Therefore, direct comparison of number of deaths is not appropriate and unacceptable.
Social distancing is perhaps one of oldest methods to escape, like evacuating village in case of one cholera case! We have no choice but it is a mystery where and how we missed out 'that choice'.
That is not for me to worry. I am just another common, ignorant, normal person. But I can't resist myself from pondering over other actions required from us. Since social distancing is essential and possible let's move to others.
Nutrition food: Here we encounter the first issue. We have a large percentage (may be the largest by means of population) poor people. In a normal day, getting two meals per day itself is a problem for them. How can they even dream about nutritious food? The word 'Balanced diet' will be a joke to them. Undoubtedly, poverty kills first. So, we have a very long way to go towards reaching nutrition for poor.
Next, old people having health issues are considered risky, for example, commonly prevailing conditions like diabetes and cardio issues. Do we really care or do we just sigh with a relief?
We can't complain! After crossing a age limit, contribution of elders towards our economy is very bleak and they're also a burden economically. Alas, it is a relief for few families!
Though we see mortality rate is high among elders above certain age, we tend to ignore that the next generation is also mostly having the same issues at younger age. We see a high percentage of diabetic patients in 40's or even in mid 30's.They'll be missed from this wave of Covid-19 but next wave of an epidemic could be around the corner. How are we going to rescue ourselves?
Next is children. That is a big subject to discuss so leaving it out here.
Going back to 40's age group having diabetes or other health issues, we are being told that the primary reason for this situation is believed to be stress in minds.
Oh! Where and when we didn't have stress? From morning to evening, from home to office - we run fast, adrenaline shooting high into brain as if a devil is chasing. Or as if believing that I am the core of this world and earth's rotation will stop abruptly if I were not here tomorrow?
The best lesson this virus taught us is that we are just another living species on this planet. We must slowdown our pace because now it is very evident that even if entire human race is extinct this planet will still go on with other species.
Therefore, summarizing all above, I feel - and believe you also will agree that, we must slowdown, to live peacefully, spend time with family and nature. We need not run blindly to satisfy someone's greediness.We must observe that poverty kills. Rich or poor, we all live on same planet and we are all interconnected. I can see and enjoy a person falling too far away but i must realize that the chain link will come to me sooner or later and my fall is inevitable.
Let us live our life thoroughly; let us live for our family; let us live for entire human progress, let us strive for each and every human's happiness. It may sound impossible but do we have any other choices?
Humans, the greatest living species this planet has seen, have done innumerable impossible acts. Our journey was tough and long, but we succeeded so far. We will progress further learning one lesson from this critical event; throw away greediness and stand united.
**************************************
R.Bharathram
15 April 2020
Good points to learn for everyone..
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ravi
DeleteDeep thoughts and a well written article. I fully agree that many families get their once in a long while opportunity to spend time together. stay safe.
ReplyDeleteThanks
DeleteSimply superb Bharat...well written
ReplyDelete