I Am Very Angry Today!! Day 7 of the Lockdown.

Clear sky and a bit of morning chill welcomes me to my third-floor terrace for my morning walk. The Sun had already begun its journey for the day and the birds were fluttering around in singles, doubles and in groups. Peacocks kept on calling from all directions, but as usual they remain invisible behind the foliage. Spotting them is difficult unless they willingly perch high on some tree or on the roof terrace. While walking, desultorily my eyes moves from one tree to the other to spot and shoot them with my handycam, but in vain. I completed my three-fourth quota of walking target, as I had to take some status updates before the official videoconferences at 9:00 am and 11:00 am respectively.

Working form home is difficult. Yes, your work multiplies – apart from being lazy for the official works, many household chores including making up your room just before the conference, setting up your sitting position and the camera angle in such a way that the camera reflects neat and tidy look of your bachelor status room. Today, the day has been very busy with official commitments at home!

It is time for the news update now. I am aghast to know about the continued gathering of about 2000 people in a religious conference, in which more than 30 are found to be COVID-19 positive, about 1100 have been quarantined and many are being traced out by various state governments. It is learnt that more than 200 are foreign nationals. It is learnt that from Tamil Nadu itself more than 1000 people had participated as delegate in the conference organized by Tablighi Jamaat. Spread of Corona Virus to them and passed on by them to others must have gone into big numbers by now. Next 10 days may see the number of COVID-19 cases exploding all over, not only from Tamil Nadu but from various parts of India too. And, I am not imagining. South Korea has already experienced the pain of such a congregation. Many deaths have already occurred due to this religious conference and we will be seeing many many more in coming few days.

How irresponsible people can be despite their education (assuming that in conference only educated people take part), this nonsensical incidence is an example. All this happened despite the lockdown and that too in the heart of the national capital. It is failure of local administration and is intelligence failure as well, thus one and all related to this gross negligence too must be held accountable and punished. Even a single incidence like this is going to reverse all the hard work done by the government machinery, the health care angels who are risking their own lives to save others and each of us who have locked ourselves in our homes. When will good sense prevail!

Till 6^th day, I was sure that by 21^st day we will be in control of COVID-19. But as we close on the 7^th day i.e. the first week of the three weeks long lockdown, the confidence in me seems to be ebbing away. Are we not staring at increased number of deaths! Increased infections! Extended lockdown! Depleting economy! Empty stomachs! More Deaths!

Let good sense prevail in all of us, irrespective of our faiths and beliefs. Because, we can have the luxury of our faiths and beliefs only if we win the race against Corona!

But, right now, I am very angry today!

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The Fight Continues : Day 6 of the Lockdown!

While I am writing down my thoughts this evening, I can hear the howling of the jackals from the nearby Aravalli Hills Biodiversity Park. This happens daily and while the birds in the morning charge me up with energy and enthusiasm, I don’t like howling of the jackals - it makes me a bit uncomfortable and amplifies my sense of loneliness especially during this lockdown. I must draw away my attention from such feelings and remain positive.

As I switch on DD News to get updated about the day’s status on how well we have fared so far, what catches my attention is that a large percentage of infected patients didn’t develop fever or other symptoms till late incubation period – and this leads to a patient infecting large number of people. Thus, we all need to be careful and presume that either we ourselves or any other person standing near us is infected. Thus, each of us can be potential link in spreading the CORONA VIRUS: COVID-19. By isolating ourselves and encouraging our family members to stay within our houses and maintaining the distance at all costs – we can break the chain. We all are at our homes, let’s remain so maintaining good hygiene. If we can continue to do it for next successive 16 days, we can emerge a big winner against this nastic menace. 

It is time to prove to the world that India is capable of anything and everything. And, if we are unable to practice what is being repeated time and again by the authorities and the Prime Minister himself, we are doomed! All the doors of all kinds of Gods are also shut now, even Gods can’t save us! Remember, just one person can spoil all the efforts being taken by you, your family, the service providers, local administration and the governments.

It is a matter of some satisfaction that the rate of increase in the number of Corona positive patients is lower than many of the countries. If we can flatten the curve in next few days, we shall be in some control. But, that would be only the half war one!

 The number of tests a day in India is being seen a concern by some of the experts. Test, Test, Test is the only philosophy which works as per the results seen in country like S. Korea. Today, it is learnt that 38000 tests were done which is very good improvement compared to the past days. Let’s hope, with increasing number of testing centers we would be limiting the cases to bare minimum.

The initiative of PM Modi to address and interact with 130 High commissions of India apart from his interactions with various personalities pan India is praiseworthy. The times are very challenging and his engagement with all concerned with very clear direction shall soon make the country take control of COVID-19.

Your cooperation matters the most! Let’s remain committed.   

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We Can Lead the World! Thoughts on Day 5 of the Lockdown

On personal front, it was a wonderful morning again. Cool breeze, the greenery and the birds around me are good enough things to start the day on a new note.

As we are into the fifth day of the lockdown, looking into the trend of increasing patients count, we shall be crossing the figure of 1000 today! And as the number increases, possibility of more and more patients coming in increases. Death toll has already touched 25, my heart goes out specifically for the families who are losing their dear ones one by one. This needs to be stopped and it can be, provided we show more commitment and the local administration in coordination with concerned state governments addresses the issues of the huge number of migrant workers on a fast track mode; else, all the good work done so far would go waste.

As we move day by day, the number of cases are expected to rise – as those infected before the lockdown and not tested so far, might have infected many more. Such cases would start surfacing in another 8-10 days. Considering high probability of this happening, there would be sudden surge in demand for ICU facilities in the hospitals. And that would be our real test. I hope that the local administration in all the states are prepared for it. In this moment of crisis, let’s stand with the nation and contribute to help the government in covering some of the finances. It has been real heartwarming gesture by film actor Akshay Kumar and TATA Group, their monetary contribution to the government for fighting COVID-19 pandemic has set a high watermark and it is hoped that more and more such abled personalities and companies emulate them. As an ordinary Indian, we too should contribute generously for the cause. I shall be doing it.

While we are struggling hard in fighting the menace by way of countrywide lockdown, some good news has also emerged from different parts of the world – as a result of this lockdown. While videos of the dolphins coming close to shores due to no water-traffic speaks about the situation easing for the nature on land, today I got to see a news report that the Ozone layer above the arctic is repairing itself! Something which was not possible due to the continued release of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere by almost all the nations, irrespective of their muscle and financial might; the lockdown has come as a boon for us and all the living creatures of this earth. But, once the situation will normalize, all kind of vehicles and industries would again start spewing poisonous fumes! Ozone layer, which is repairing itself, would again widen-up letting in the harmful rays to the earth’s atmosphere. Alas, can we stop this serpent by the name called ‘development’!

 The current scenario in which the entire world is in; has brought us back to our families, our homes and to we are happy fulfilling our basic needs. I would rather say, it has brought us back to our roots. Today, there are no newsroom debates and analysis on nuclear weapons and wars! For now, it is only about how to save the lives and that is the priority right now. Each country is concerned about its citizens and their well-being. However, as soon as this crisis is over; we would again start locking horns with our rivals, though it serves the interests of none. Thus, it is time to reflect on our priorities as an individual, as a society and as a nation. The countries of the world need to reinvent their character, to be in harmony with the nature and every being of this beautiful earth.

As far as India is concerned, we had been a country with organic way of living. Let’s go back to our roots. Our existence and future lie there. Let’s be the torch bearer for the world, once again.

We can lead the world!

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We Will Win : Thoughts on Day 4 of the Lockdown

The morning greets me today with clear sky and no wind. The chirping of variety of birds around me is music to my ears. There can’t be a better alarm bell than these sweet chirpings. I am fortunate to be locked down in a home which is just adjacent to the Aravalli Biodiversity Park which is home to all these birds. The morning walks on my terrace is enticing as it gives me the feel of just being in the jungle. Only a fence separates us. The open space on the terrace, unobstructed view of the wild greenery of the jungle, fresh air and the morning sunrays is in fact a luxury, and I am lucky to be having it. 

I really admire the nature for the variety it brings to our lives. No days are same, every morning is unique. Same is true for the evening skies and the nights! This inevitable lockdown has given me the time and opportunity to be observant of the space around me, of the winds passing by me, of the various sounds and noises made by the birds, the dogs, the squirrels. I am being drawn to them. Is it happening because I don’t have to compulsorily rush in order to be part of the so called ‘mad rush’ or ‘the rat race’! Every tragedy or mis-happening brings some opportunity and here is the opportunity for us – TIME - time to reflect, time to refresh and time to reinvent! 

With all these thoughts, I was also carrying my camera and got some beautiful pics of a pair of parrots, a myna, a babbler, a bulbul, a pigeon and the crow! I found that, shooting them is not an easy job. By the time you locate them, prepare your camera and hit the button, they are gone!

We still have a long time for the Lockdown to end. For some days and at least till the Lockdown period, even if we are busy with some household chores, it is good idea to invest some of your time in pursuing our hobbies and in creative pursuits. It will surely give you lot of satisfaction, you will be channelizing your energies in the right direction and it would be great inspiration for your family members too! Read the book you had been waiting, watch the classical movies that you wanted to, write your childhood memories, tell your children the grandma stories, expose the children to the world of Panchatantra and the humorous characters of Lot-Pot, Chacha Chaudhary and Saaboo, revisit the magical world of Mandrake and Lothar! This is the time.

I sincerely thank Doordarshan for their decision to telecast from today the mega-serials Ramayan, Mahabharat, Chanakya, Byomkesh Bakshi, Shaktimaan to keep people engaged in their homes with positive vibes. It is also providing a great opportunity to the youngsters to get introduced to the great Indian tradition, culture and history. 

 In the current scenario, the best service we can do to ourselves, our families and our society is to keep restricted to our homes, keep ourselves busy in creative activities and encourage positivity in our talks and discussions.

Hey, why don’t you take out the old albums from the trunk and flip it with your family. You will have so many stories to share.

Stay Home, Stay Safe!

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Together We Can: Thoughts on Day 3 of the Lockdown

The morning today is not sunny, as you would expect in this period of the year. Instead, it is cloudy with a bit of drizzle. I get up and get ready for my morning walk. The calls of a few peacocks encouraged me to carry my SONY Handycam too – hoping to catch a few snaps or a short video of the dancing peacocks! Clouds were there, peacocks were there; I waited, but they didn’t dance. They sat on the railings of a nearby neighbor’s roof. But, yes, happy that I could click a few still shots and a small video clip of the peacocks! 

My morning walk was curtailed by the increasing drizzle. In the normal times I would have continued walking, but in CORONA times it is not wise to get even a single sneeze! Yes, the heart thumps harder and harder – with every single sneeze: of the sneezer as well as of the nearby poor guy. So, be cautious. Do not do anything that can bring cold and cough. And when you sneeze, make sure to cover your nose and mouth with a cotton handkerchief. 

Today is the day for Work from Home again. A video conference with office colleagues that lasted close to one and half hour discussing the key issues at hand and how to go about it. Whatever you say, whatever you do from home; the real action can’t be completed without physical activity. Everything can’t be done in e-form!

The airplanes landing at New Delhi Airport normally passes over my house at not much height from the ground – with frequency of at least twenty landings in an hour! Since the beginning of lockdown, frequency of landing has come down drastically, may be one in half an hour or may be more. These are mostly cargo planes and if any passenger planes are also among these, I am not sure. If so, they must be flying to provide essential logistics support only. Good thing is that with the reduction of air traffic, the regular thundering noise from the passing by planes has reduced drastically, giving some relief.

 Also, with almost no traffic on the otherwise packed roads of Delhi, air-quality in general has improved to ‘Good’! A welcome change.

However, the situation as far as spread of COVID-19 is concerned, is looking grim and worsening. We have already touched the figure of 800 for confirmed cases. As per some of the reports in the electronic media, we have already entered the dreaded Stage 3 i.e. community spread. And if it turns out to be true, a large section of our people is going to face the brunt of deadly Corona virus. It is said that during this phase, the spread would be maximum and it would be very difficult to contain. In order to limit it, the only certain way is to remain cut-off from each other to the best possible extent. Let us remain committed to our social distancing and frequent cleaning of hands to minimize the impact at every stage of Corona virus spread. 

It is so contagious that even very high profile personalities who are not in touch with common public, like Prince Charles and the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson too have caught it! It is enough to take a cue and be very vigilant and cautious in handling things and the people.

Let us contain it by restraining ourselves to the limit of our homes and not going out unless only it is really essential. As we have seen in the past three days, stores for grocery, vegetables and medicines are open and items are available; hence, for making purchases you need not rush. Maintain distance while standing in que and keep yourself masked. Do take care to sanitize your belongings, clothes and yourself on returning home.

It is heartwarming to see many NGOs and kind hearted people coming to the rescue of migrant workers in distress and those who have no place to live and no money to feed themselves. State governments are also coming forward to extend them support. It is nice to see that we all are standing together in this hour of crisis.

With our continued cooperation and support, we can fight and eliminate Corona Virus from our land.

Together we can, together we will.

Jai Hind!

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COVID-19: India Lockdown Day 2

These days, getting up in the morning without a hint of cold, cough or fever is a great respite. And when you get a glimpse of the red sky and the shining clouds with a hint of the Sun rising up, it is a real blessing. The Day 2 i.e. 26^th March 2020 began on this note. I am lucky, many of our brethren are not so in the days and nights gripped by COVID-19. Everywhere it is, in about 190 countries now!

It is a well-known fact that those with lower body immune system have very high chances of getting infected with it on exposure. Thus, to keep it at bay, it is important to keep ourselves in the best of health – physical as well as mental. If you never bothered earlier, it is high time now to build up your immune by eating healthy, maintaining hygiene, exercising well and maintaining your mental cool by way of yoga and meditation. It is no more idealistic talk now, instead, it is need of the hour and a vital requirement. And, with the lockdown – there are no lame excuses like ‘I don’t have time’, et al. I like my morning walks and since Janata Curfew day, I have deserted the colony campus and begun walking on the terrace – at least 6000 steps a day. I cover my terrace in approximately 60 steps, so 100 laps of the terrace I am doing daily. Before the lockdown, anyone seeing me doing 100 laps on the terrace would have certainly considered me insane and I didn't do it also.  But, meaning changes with context and time; my switchover to terrace walk makes lot of sense.

Today being my turn for attending the Office to take care of important business needs, I carried my lunch box for the very first time in my career. I Took special care to not touch anything that doesn’t belong to me. Carried Johnson Buds to press the buttons of the lift and being extra cautious, before using it I ensured to load it with hand sanitizer – so that neither the bud gets infected nor it infects the lift buttons. Save self, save others – should be the motto – always. The repeated advice of the Air-Hostesses to the mothers: ‘Put the oxygen mask first, before putting on to your child’ makes more sense now!

As expected, sadly, the number of cases of positive COVID-19 infections are increasing and is close to 700 now for India. And number of deaths inching towards 20. With every passing day; looking into our population density, joint families, huge migrant population, poverty and poor hygiene; this number is going to increase at a faster rate despite all efforts being taken. Thus, a little bit of casual approach by even a small percentage of the population would see skyrocketing of these numbers. Let’s do our best to contain it by religiously following the directions on the subject and educate people around us who are yet taking it lightly.

The directions by the Central and State Governments to the companies, contractors and individuals for payment of salary to their contractual workers, casual labours, maidservants for their absence during this testing time is highly commendable and speaks volumes about their empathy towards one and all.

Before I close, I would like to mention that the birds and street dogs are finding difficult to get water and food as those who used to serve them out of empathy are unable to do so. If we can do something about it in a safe way, let’s do it.

Let’s remain positive, let’s remain committed. That’s the ‘Mantra’ of the moment.

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COVID-19: Lockdown India Day #1

No other thing in our times became more infamous and more fearful than the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV): COVID-19 in such a short span of time! It has thrown life out of gear like nothing else had ever before, irrespective of our nationality, race, colour or creed! No one ever had thought that the entire world would be under Lockdown in the 21^st Century due to an invisible enemy of just 60 to 140 nm (One nanometer is 10ˉ⁹metre).

As I write it, it comes to my mind – is it possible to infect people with a virus – say, Happiness Virus - that can have the just opposite effect! I mean, once infected with it, the person feels good, becomes healthier, happier - irrespective of their nationality, race, colour or creed! The world would have such a happy place to live then. Why such good things don’t infect us!

The same way, I would like to put down my thoughts, my feelings, my pains and pleasures during the lockdown – a sort of daily diary – to just record what goes on within us and around us.

While 25^th March 2020 i.e. Day 1 has passed and I have been awakened to a new glorious morning by the sweet chirping of birds on Day 2; I would like to recollect a few things of Janta Curfew call given by our PM Sri Narendra Modi and of the Day1 of Lockdown.

Janata Curfew observed in India on 22^nd March 2020 was highly successful and may be seen as the curtain raiser for Lockdown India, as each of us became aware that the virus COVID-19 has taken very serious proportions and it is high time to lock it down. While almost everyone religiously remained within their houses as instructed by PM, a good number of people were seen mixing with each other and taking out processions dancing to music at 5:00 pm – the time we were supposed to pay our gratitude in unison by clapping to everyone who are out there risking their own lives, to serve us in these difficult times. Those who didn’t limit themselves to their balconies and came out to celebrate it in groups as if they have just won a prized tournament - I pity and wonder, do they really understand the DOs and Don’ts that are being repeatedly circulated by the Government to fight the Virus? Shame on them. Such people who are not following the rules in the fight against COVID-19: apart from themselves and their loved ones, they are endangering the lives of beautiful people around us. If you are one among them – who have been taking this pandemic lightly, it is time to shake off your superhuman egos! Help yourself and the society by simply restricting yourselves to your homes.

While lockdown was expected anytime, the announcement of pan-India Lockdown for three weeks by the PM in the night of 24^th March 2020, made people to rush and come in close contact with others in their attempts to arrange groceries, medicines, milk and other essentials before 00:00 hours. This was again avoidable and people could have kept their calm in the best interest of themselves and everyone others.

Let bygone be bygone now and let’s be now onwards very sensible to our responsibilities against the pandemic.

On Day 1, I remained within my flat as there were no compelling reasons to go out. The official duty roster places me to work from home on alternate days, and Day 1 for me was to be at home! ‘Work From Home’ is easier said than done, truly. With restrictions on maids, all household chores are our responsibility – which takes away a good chunk of time. And, in the oil and gas sector through which I earn my bread and butter, ‘Work from Home’ is an alien concept as it is the physical activities that brings out the oil and gas from the womb of the mother earth. Thus, while I was excited for my very first Work from Home experience, it turned out to be a dampener – as it laid to lethargy and inefficiency. Going through emails and waiting for the two scheduled video conferences – out of which I couldn’t participate in one of them due to technical issues at my end – was really taxing. It ate up my whole day! It is crazy working from home. Those who take up work from home assignments, I wonder how they cope up with it. So, Hats-Off to all around the globe who are working from home for a bigger cause – to save ourselves.

As Day1 is already over, let’s hope that with every passing day the count of COVID-19 victims starts dwindling down, more and more people recover soon and no lives are lost due to negligence.

As well-articulated in his speech by the PM - only Sankalp and Sanyam (संकल्प एवं संयम) i.e. only Determination and Temperance can help us in fighting out with Corona pandemic. Let’s honour his concern and be sensible to our responsibilities towards self, our families and the society.

We shall overcome!

Hum Honge Kaamayaab! Jai Hind! Jai Jagat! 

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