An Ordinary Indian: April 2020

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

I Have Tested Positive! 21st Day of the Lockdown!

As I opened the doors and stepped onto the terrace for my morning walk, I saw four crows sitting on the terrace railing. I passed by them keeping some distance, they didn’t fly away, instead they started cawing and in no time about 40-50 crows perched on the nearby peepal tree started hovering over me in circles. It looked dangerous and I stepped back to the entry door. They settled down. After waiting for a while, I stepped out to continue my walk, in no time they were again flying over me. This mobbing behavior of the crows is known, they do it if a crow is killed and they attack the suspected predators. Maybe they were disturbed with me on the terrace or they might have been in some kind of distress. But I am taking this incident as a message being conveyed to me directly by the nature itself - to not disturb the fabric of the nature with our irresponsible actions – post 21 days of the lockdown that ends today! With very little human interference and minimal pollution across the globe, the nature is healing itself. It needs some more time to heal itself and get enough strength to be ready to bear the brunt of the mankind once again!

Coming back to the current scenario in India, in the last 21 days we have seen the growth of COVID-19 positive cases rise up from a mere 500plus to a whopping 10000plus! However, had there been any delay in implementing of the lockdown, this number would have grown exponentially and the situation would have been beyond control by now. The number of COVID-19 patients rising in other countries very well demonstrates that we are in much better control. In this regard, today’s decision of PM Modi to extend the lockdown period till 3^rd May 2020 is again a brave and welcome step.

During this second phase of the lockdown, stricter rules should come into force. Those who are not cooperating should be punished and those who are purposely spreading Corona virus by the way of spitting, running away from hospitals, exhibiting indecent behavior with the nurses and medical staff or are throwing infected currency and polythene bags on public places must be treated like a murderous criminal and should be put behind bars. There can’t be any mercy on people who are trying to play with national safety and security.

Today our country is celebrating the Birth Anniversary of the great son of soil Dr. B.R. Ambedakar. Greetings to each of you. I feel that this Birth Anniversary has special significance and message for us, as we are going through the troubled times and it is affecting more to the down trodden classes, the have nots! We should be taking care of them through our resources in the best possible way to cater to their immediate requirements. In the longer run, we can help them in a better way. There must be a sizable population in our country who, despite more than seven decades of Independence of our country, do not know the importance of education, they must be unaware about the provision of reservations and other constitutional policies that might help them in coming out of their lives full with miseries. They need the support of us all - who have established ourselves in a much better position. Can we lend a helping hand to provide them education, can we voluntarily leave our quota of reservation for them and help them in availing it, can we lift them to a level which can help them in chartering a course on their own! It is time to reflect, as they need more support today than ever before.

As the first phase of lockdown ends today, let’s prepare ourselves with positivity for the next phase till 3^rd May 2020! It is not tough, if you set some daily goals for yourself. I did set personal goals for the first phase. I tested myself by making promises to myself! I had promised myself to creatively write every single day, to workout daily, to read, to entertain myself and also to keep pace with my official obligations without complaining! I am happy to share that I wrote one blogpost each day since the lockdown began, did morning and evening walks daily on the terrace averaging more than five kilometers a day, read short stories in Hindi and watched movies which I had been thinking for the last so many years. On the official front, I can say that it had been a new experience and hectic too – working from home! While I am staying alone and my family is thousands of kilometers away, it is not easy. But, talking to them, listening to their problems and appreciating all their efforts in these challenging times have kept me and them positively engaged. I am in better shape today physically and mentally than pre-lockdown days! Yes, I have tested myself during the lockdown, I have tested positive - to my positive approach!

I am happy that we are half way through and though the next half is going to be more challenging, let’s promise that we shall be traversing our path keeping our health, family, society and the nation as the focal point.

I have a new itinerary ready for the second phase of the lockdown, I hope to complete them all by 3^rd May 2020!

You make yours! Get set, go!

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Monday, April 13, 2020

Change in World Order Post Covid-19! 20th Day of the Lockdown.

What would the world be after World War III! Experts on the subject have different versions of their own, based on how they perceive the scenario. And Albert Einstein didn’t talk about World War III, but was sure of its consequences and the way World War IV would be fought. I would like to quote him verbatim. He had said, "I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones." This shows that he believed the weapons used in World War III would be so devastating that civilization as we know it would be gone!

How would you compare today’s situation vis-à-vis World War III? During Corona invasion, there’s no firing of missiles and N-Bombs, no physical destruction of any facilities, no alignment of countries against each other and no exchange of vitriolic dialogues between the heads of the nations. The world which has had been traditionally divided seems to have forgotten all the big talks and each of the countries is now busy in protecting themselves against COVID-19, an invisible enemy of barely a few Nano Meters that has challenged even the mightiest nations and has brought them to their knees into submission.

However, there are two major similarities when we compare the consequences of COVID-19 invasion and the consequences of World War. They are the innumerable deaths and the economic slowdown faced by the countries. Who would have thought just a few weeks back that an invisible virus can play such havoc and be so ruthless in taking lives and ruining the greatest economies? In fact, this silent devastation is much more than what a world war would have brought!

In my opinion, this pandemic has the potential of decimating the nations – more so to the developed economies. It is very much plausible that the current ranking of the nations in the pre-COVID-19 era based on their economic might may change post-COVID-19 era. Their rankings may change and it would primarily depend on the resilience of the individual countries to make a comeback. The more resilience the country displays in its response post-COVID-19, brighter the chances for it to recover, consolidate and reclaim its position. During this phase, it is very much possible that a lesser country may overtake the rank holders!

India as a nation has that strength and resilience. With the youth population on our side, the technical fraternity coming together for engineering, designing and producing innovative products, strong and focused leadership at the helm of affairs; we are certainly going to emerge stronger from this crisis.

India needs to look back to its roots for finding simple answers to the complex issues at hand, to frame policies for inclusive growth, to charter its development plans paying due respect to the nature and executing them in harmony with it. The current challenge of COVID-19 should be taken up as an opportunity to re-define ourselves, our priorities and the philosophy of life.

I have the confidence to say that better days are waiting for us, the only condition is we should be able to catch this opportunity. We all should get engaged creatively to give our best. It is time to transform ourselves and transform the nation.

Let’s do it!

Sunday, April 12, 2020

A Tough Journey Lies Ahead! 19th Day of the Lockdown.

COVID-19 pandemic has spread its tentacles around the globe and is tightening its grip more viciously with every passing moment. The wide geographical areas it has covered and the mayhem it has created is unparalleled in the history of mankind. It has not differentiated the countries on the basis of their financial powers, religion, colour or superiority of their race! It has been equally merciless to all.

The only concession COVID-19 is giving is to the people who are cautiously avoiding it by way of social distancing and taking all-important protective measures. In the absence of any vaccines at this moment and since no vaccine is expected to be ready anytime earlier than six months from now, to knockdown Corona, lockdown is the only way. I wish that vaccines are developed sooner than later.

We have seen the total number of positive cases of COVID-19 climbing to almost 2millions now and the death toll has crossed 100,000 mark with the US topping the list constituting a whopping twenty percent of these figures. In case of us, India still appears to be in control but the way the number of cases is climbing up sharply and densely populated areas like Dharavi in Mumbai is being taken over by Corona; this pandemic is going to test us ruthlessly and it shall leave scars so deep that it might take a decade or more to emerge out of this tragedy emotionally as individuals and financially as a country.

Every single day of lockdown is adding a heavy burden on the government coffers and individual’s savings alike. The day is not far when we may have to make a compromise between life and money. May be much before the COVID-19 pandemic slows down, businesses may have to re-start, factories may have to be re-opened, wheels may have to roll again and at a faster rate – to sustain life, to fulfill the bare minimum requirements of the healthy as well as the sick. A compromise may have to be made; a line may have to be drawn.

As a nation, we are fighting valiantly and we shall be victorious. But a tough journey lies ahead!

Saturday, April 11, 2020

Braceup for more! 18th Day of the Lockdown.

Taking a cue from the experience of other countries in containing the spread of Corona Virus, the Indian Government took the timely measure of countrywide lockdown. Looking into the dire strait in which USA, Italy, France and other countries are, the wisdom of the government in taking timely decision has proved to be very effective. Despite the irresponsible behavior of certain section of the people here and there, the resolve of the state governments and the central government in containing the spread of COVID-19 at all cost has kept the numbers still under control, has so far kept the situation under control.

The increasing number of patients in the cities like Mumbai, Bhopal and Indore is a cause of concern. The doctors, nurses, police officials and other corona warriors are at high risk and some of them have unfortunately lost their lives which too is worrisome. It is hoped that by now, most of the hospitals are now have adequate stock of PPE for their workforce and the patients who are being admitted.

It is heartwarming to see that many innovative and practical designs have come up for the much-needed ventilators and the PPEs. Our scientists, engineers and doctors are coming up with many creditable solutions which is praiseworthy and it is time to take actions for producing them immediately to fulfill the projected demand. It is also the time to market our innovations to foreign lands – which would help the countries in meeting their immediate requirements. In the long run these innovations are going to create a creditable reputation and good business opportunity for us.

While the scheduled 21-day lockdown period was supposed to end on 14^th April, the same is on the verge of extension upon the review of the situation in different states. The increasing number of hotspots leading to ever climbing up numbers of COVID-19 patients is necessitating it. We all need to make much more concerted efforts now to end this lockdown. It is now going to be pretty long lockdown. We need to be more responsible in every way.

Let us do our best in every way to stay active and emerge out much stronger mentally and physically after the lockdown. Remember, so many people are giving service to us and they are also risking their lives for us in this challenging time; we need to support them now and let’s pledge to sweat with sincerity – once the lockdown is lifted. We have lot to do. Let’s prepare ourselves to give our best!

Friday, April 10, 2020

The Bees and the COVID-19! 17th Day of the Lockdown!

My mornings start consciously knowing that I have to be at home and I have to be with myself. I need not rush, for anything. This pandemic has given us an opportunity to redesign our lifestyle, to make it simpler and healthier than pre-Corona days. To give priority to our own lives.

While contemplating about the activities for today, a bee caught my attention that had found its way into my room and was now trying to find an exit through the glass window, but kept on hitting the glass panel without success. I opened the door and with the help of a newspaper guided it slowly towards the door. It went out, I shut the door to avoid its re-entry. But, in the process it reminded me of an incident of our college days, in-fact an accident due to the bees. It taught us a few lessons, and today the bees remind me again that laying down motionless makes one safer from their stings!

We were then in the second year of our engineering course. For celebrating Makar Sankranti, we - the students from Bihar, had planned for celebrating Makar Sankranti by going out for a picnic to the picturesque jungle around the Kerwa Dam, Bhopal. All the arrangements were perfect and the picnic started with a round of tea. We got divided into small groups as per our interest. We got busy in various activities like Antakshari, swimming in the river flowing adjacent to the picnic spot, playing cards, badminton or just simply engaging ourselves in the gup-shup.

We had carried gas cylinder and stove also for cooking. However, after reaching there, in order to get the real feel of the picnic; some of the friends decided to use firewood and makeshift chulha for cooking instead of the gas stove. We were at some distance from the place where the makeshift kitchen was operational. Everything was going well and we were enjoying the winter sun. All of a sudden, the friends who were near the kitchen started shouting and running while trying to escape the bees chasing them. In no time, the swarm of bees reached us and attacked us too in vengeance. They were in very large numbers and were of bigger size than we usually get to see hovering on the flowers. Their sting was fiery and painful. Each of us had taken a number of stings, beyond counting. That day I discovered that bees leave their sting stuck in the body of the victim and they themselves die later on.

It was such a fast and deadly attack that one of our senior fell unconscious with pain– he was stung by more than two hundred bees. I was stung mostly on my face and neck only, thanks to my full sleeves jacket. Me and many of my friends had to jump in the river to save ourselves from the bees. It was mere luck that we were alive, didn’t drown! The picnic was a disaster and we ended up in hospital as many of us needed pain killers, anti-allergic medicines and saline too.

When we reached hostel, the incident spread like a wildfire. However, it didn’t deter our friends from UP who too planned a picnic trip on the next Sunday at the same venue. We had warned them, not to use firewood as the smoke rising from it disturbs the bees and they might attack again. But, the mistake was repeated and they too had to bear the brunt of the bees with the same fury. This time too some of our friends jumped into the river to save themselves from the attack. After some time, when the bees started thinning out, frantic search for one of our friend started who had also jumped into the river along with others. Everyone who had jumped into the river came out, but he was not so lucky. On jumping blindly into the river, he had got stuck between the heavy rocks and he couldn't make it to the surface. He was drowned! The worst had happened. Local villagers helped in fishing him out. We had lost a dear friend on that fateful day.

We had learnt some lessons, the hard way. Firstly, do not disturb the wild life, it can be very dangerous. Secondly, lay down motionless on the ground covering ear and nose with hands – the bees won’t bite – they will at the most sit on you for a while and fly away. But, the moment you move your body – they won’t spare you. Thirdly, as the old adage states, never jump into an unknown river or water body – as you never know what lies beneath!

I find a similarity with COVID-19. You are safe from it till you are in your favorite hideout – your home! Don’t venture out! Be safe!

Thursday, April 9, 2020

Being Philosophical! 16th Day of the Lockdown!

Covid-19 has very well demonstrated that even inactivity can be of such great value – that it can save millions of lives, rejuvenate nature, bring us closer to ours inner selves. It has also taught us that most of the things that we aspire for in our life has either very little value or no value at all! While we give away our lives to such petty things, we do not value our own life. But,this pandemic has taught us a great lesson – every life has great value. Let’s honour our life and let’s give some respect and meaning to it!

It must be happening for the first time that while entire humanity is in pain and suffering; other species are leading normal lives, rather a better life due to non-interference by us human beings. It is being said that nature is reclaiming itself – many wild species are being seen venturing out and exploring the areas free from human activities. Air quality has improved, ozone layer is repairing itself and the rivers have become cleaner! Is the nature punishing us for all the damage we inflicted on it in the last so many decades? May be!

We have experienced it ourselves that we don’t need truckloads of things to live and laugh. Let’s reflect to re-prioritise. Let’s try to unburden ourselves by getting free of the meaningless race with each other. Let’s make distinction between our essential needs and the wasteful desires. We need to focus only on the needs, let’s live the desires. When we step out of our homes after COVID-19 is defeated, let’s take every step in the direction that will bring us more and more closer to the nature. Let’s live in harmony with it.

Let’s learn to live now!

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

The Pandemic Happened or is an Orchestrated One! 15th Day of the Lockdown.

While I used to go out for walks in the mornings, I have been spending the first one hour of my mornings on the terrace for the past two weeks without any break and now the third week has begun. The gradual change in the morning temperature from 15-16 deg C to today’s 20-21 deg C is indicating that summer is approaching fast. During the same period, with the bright moon in the sky, evening walks on the terrace has become more and more enjoyable. The moon is shining so bright these days, it gives heavenly feeling under the sky with pleasant breeze and occasional breaking of silence by the peacocks. For me, the mornings and evenings have been very special so far and it has helped me in keeping myself calm and composed during this disturbing phase through which our country and the entire world is going through. I wish that the Corona days end at the earliest and me taking out time in the mornings and evenings to the terrace continue uninterrupted.

Wuhan – the city which gave birth to the COVID-19 Pandemic has unlocked itself today, the lockdown has ended! China is back on its feet! Whereas, the remaining world is under the siege of the deadly Corona Virus and lockdown is being implemented with increasing intensity. If the pandemic is not brought into control by way of lockdowns, the nations are going to suffer heavily. While almost each country is suffering, the situation in USA is worsening and the pandemic has already taken thousands of lives and about 4.0 lakhs have tested positive and the number is increasing by the day! Spain, France and Italy have suffered a lot. The numbers in our country is also picking up, let’s hope that precautions and cooperation by our fellow citizens and the efforts by the government slows down the growth in a week or so. All the nations are going to take huge financial hit which may ultimately lower down the muscle power of some at the world stage.

As I was completing the last lap of my walk tonight, the full moon shone bright with some clouds hovering around it; it occurred to me – whether this pandemic happened on its own or is an orchestrated one!

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Jaan Hai To Jahaan Hai! 14th Day of the Lockdown!

The age-old adages ‘Jaan Hai to Jahaan Hai’ and ‘Health is Wealth’ always cautioned us about the due care that one should take for their own life and health. While it has had been always pertinent, but today each of us realize that these are the real words of wisdom! To save the life of its citizens, the countries have shutdown their business and operations by way of the lockdown, because life matters the most! All these governments have demonstrated that their citizens are their prime priority.

While we remain confined to our houses to save our lives from COVID-19, we are in-fact also helping the country in containing the spread of COVID-19 virus. Today we have completed two weeks of the lockdown and one more week remains. Is it going to be extended? Well, each of us want to get back to normal, let’s hope that number of new cases doesn’t rise.

I hope that you utilized your time well with your family and you are taking good care of your health. It is very much possible that such a long stretch of break at home without much activity might encourage monotony and boredom. To get away with it, the only solution is to utilize the time well by engaging in creative pursuits and pursuing the hobbies – which we had been neglecting during the normal times. And certainly, laughing and playing with family members is a great antidote to boredom.

It is very essential to keep ourselves in good mental and physical health. Keep engaged creatively. Eat well, exercise well! Laugh a lot! Make this lockdown the happiest stay at home!

Today also happens to be World Health Day! So, do everything to stay healthy. You will remain wealthy, as long as you are healthy!

Stay at home, because Jaan Hai to Jahaan Hai!

Monday, April 6, 2020

Stay Home, Stay Safe! 13th Day of the Lockdown!

Greetings on Mahavir Jayanti. May the teachings and blessings of Lord Mahavir bring peace and happiness to one and all.

Had these been normal days, today would have been a closed day – being a Gazetted Holiday! Missing badly, the occasional holidays in this lockdown!

The lockdown has changed the meaning of many things – even the famous dialogue of Gabbar Singh in Sholay - ‘Jo Dar Gaya, Samjho Mar Gaya’ to ‘Jo Dar Gaya, Wo Samjho Bach Gaya’ in these Corona days! We have started looking at things from a different perspective since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic. I hope that something good would come out of this churning and it would lead us to greater heights.

The day lockdown was announced, I had lot of apprehensions about its success – looking into the size of our country and its population. Bringing everything to halt in a democratic setting like us always seemed impossible. However, the Janata Curfew on 22^nd March 2020 – though just for one day – demonstrated our commitment and proved that we are a disciplined nation. I am in regular touch with my parents who stay in our ancestral village in Patna District. I am pleasantly surprised to know that our village and nearby villages are observing the lockdown earnestly.

Lockdowns of this scale is enough to emotionally and financially breakdown the spine of any country. While financial strength is secondary, emotional strength scores above anything and everything. I would not be wrong to state that we have very well demonstrated our emotional strength in these 13 days and our continued self-discipline for few more days would see us out of the grip of the Corona Pandemic.

While scanning the news channels today, I could get a glimpse of the enthusiastic spirit of our Corona Warriors – NGOs preparing and distributing food to the poor people while maintaining the norms of social distancing, the doctors and medical staff covered in PPE and busy attending the patients, the sanitary staff cleaning the building premises with their masks on and video clips of the kids telling us to remain at home. We are on right course.

We have to fulfill our responsibilities, by staying at our homes!

Sunday, April 5, 2020

Let Positivity Flow! 12th Day of the Lockdown!

Since time immemorial, our country has been a seat of learning and source of inspiration to the entire world. We held strong against all the inimical powers and withstood the vagaries of time. That inner quality has carried us so far and it is time to realize our strength and come out stronger in this testing time.

Entire world is under utter pain with the black shadow of COVID-19 getting darker and darker. The powerful countries and the non-entities – all have come to a screeching halt. Getting back to normal will take lot and lot of effort from here. But, first of all, the pain has to go.

India too is fighting with the deadly virus with all its might. We seem to be in better control than others, but we never know when the situation slips away from our control due to negligence or non-cooperation from corona positive patients.

While our doctors, medics, police and other essential service providers are putting their best efforts and even endangering their own lives to save the patients and helping the country in containing the pandemic. We should keep all such people in our prayers every moment and let’s provide all the support possible from our end.

Tonight, 09:00 pm was the time to offer out gratitude to each and every noble people amongst us lending their services. Coming together of 130 Crore of us with prayers on our lips would certainly help in at least sending a positive vibe to each Corona warrior and also to the patients who are suffering at the moment. May our prayers ease their pain.

People across the length and breadth of the country, from all religious beliefs lighted the candle to show their solidarity. It gives out a great message that we all are together and we all have the light signifying the power to dispel the darkness around us! I am proud to be part of this congregation with prayers from the bottom of my heart. My family members participated too.

Jai Hind!

Saturday, April 4, 2020

Find the Meaning of Life! 11th Day of the Lockdown!

We keep rushing from pillar to post, from one assignment to another, from one target to the next higher one and in the process we forget to live our lives and value it! In normal times we do not find time to enjoy and to be with oneself. We yearn to be with our dear ones and share quality time with them, but our busy schedule doesn’t permit us. That’s the story for almost each of us. But, today, we all are locked down in our own houses – in order to save our precious live – the same life which we had taken for granted! Today is the 11^th Day and I hope you have found out a new meaning of your life. No! Find it now, else, day by day the remaining 10 days too would go. The mad rush is going to start in the next ten days again, if everything goes well in defeating the deadly COVID-19.

During the lockdown while I keep myself busy with official obligations and doing the things I like, in order to keep the negativity away. But, the tightening of the grip of COVID-19 across the countries of the globe is deeply worrying and a matter of great concern. US has the now greatest number of positive cases and per day death toll has crossed 1000/day! Spain, France, Italy are badly hit by it and increase in death tolls is continued. Globally total CORONA positive cases have crossed one million patients and death tolls more than 50,000 – which is so unfortunate. We too are struggling to limit the movement of the infected persons and in monitoring of the emerging hot-spots. In the first week, while we were in almost control of the situation, the infamous Tablighi Jamaat incidence made the things worsen and it has lead to of spread COVID-19 throughout the country. It is worrying and has shaken up one and all..

While the government machinery is making an all out effort and leaving no stone unturned in its preparedness for fighting the menace of Corona Virus; many technical and medical institutions, industries, NGOs and individuals are doing their best to come out with innovative life-saving respiratory equipment, PPE, Testing Kits, vaccines – and we expect beyond doubt that we shall be able to deal with the crisis in the most professional way. We would be able to defeat Corona Virus, sooner than later.

We are fulfilling our duty and doing a great service to ourselves and the nation through social distancing. A few more days of the constrained lives would help us in early recovery and in bouncing back with a bang. Our committed efforts and the new found meaning of trust and cooperation that we have explored together through social distancing shall prove to be of great value in our endeavor to emerge stronger as a nation.

Together we can!

Friday, April 3, 2020

Being Human! 10th Day of the Lockdown!

The day has become a bit warmer now, but the mornings are so pleasant! Accuweather app in my mobile was showing ambient temperature of just 16 Deg C, around 06:30 am, when I started my morning walk today. Swift breeze, fresh air, greenery all around and birds of different feathers happily hopping, taking off, flying, landing and again taking off – it is the time to recharge my body and soul! If you are not doing it, even during this lockdown, don’t delay! We are already on the verge of completing 10 days of the lockdown, just 11 days are remaining. Step out – to your balcony, your terrace, your compound. No excuses, if you don’t have these. Just push the windows and curtains wide open, let the morning light and fresh air fill in your room and you with energy. Stretch a bit. Breathe in deep and breathe out. I bet; you will love it.

The day kept me occupied with the official conference, emails, notes, phone…..phew! A major portion of the time is eaten away in household chores too. No opportunity even for the news update on TV today. I had thought, I would get lot of time to watch movies, reading books; but it is not happening. No matter what, I am very happy that I am busy! And yes, in between I am enjoying old romantic hits of Hindi films. It is so soothing at times.

Before the Lockdown began, I used to go for walk only in the mornings. Brisk walk of about an hour in the evening has become a regular thing now. Initially, I started walking just to fill in my time. But I have started enjoying it now and look forward to continue it even after the lockdown.

When the lockdown began, I didn’t notice moon while walking in the evening – because it was not there! Venus, shining like a bright start was the most catching thing in the sky then. However, with every passing day; moon with its increasing presence has been able to steal the show completely. Today it is a little more than Half-Moon and it is so bright that I can see my shadow on the terrace floor. The spread of trees around me is clearly visible – they are standing still as there is no wind. I can hear the hoots of a owls and calls of a solitary peacock. I realize that it had been years, rather decades since my childhood days spent in our ancestral village that I am able to experience this wonderful calm and soothing evening today under the open sky. It is such a wonderful feeling. I am filled with nostalgia right now. I miss those carefree days under nature’s lap.

Coming back to reality and in the challenging times that we are passing through, it is learnt that some people, some groups are bent on spoiling the efforts of each of us by not cooperating with the government and administration. They are reported to be spitting on people, misbehaving with angel nurses, throwing stones on lady doctors and even firing at police! May the almighty provide them with some sense, at least for their own sake. I can only pray for them.

Since yesterday, I have decided to remain my natural self, to not focus on the negativity happening around me. I should perform my duty, to the best possible extent to influence people around me for being good to self and for others too. We are human beings, let’s practice being human!

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Me, My Family and the Corona Warriors : 9th Day of the Lockdown!

The cuckoo’s golden voice yesterday reminded me of the nursery rhyme. And its arrival was not by chance, but as per the nature’s design. Today morning too I enjoyed the golden voice of the cuckoo interspersed with the peacocks calls. My morning walk, is one thing that gives me head start for the day.

Since the lockdown began, except for the very few outings to buy food items I haven’t stepped out of my house even for a small stroll in the open area in front of my house. Why should I? I am not supposed to. If I do it, I would be defeating the very purpose for which lockdown is being observed.

Let me tell you; when the lockdown was announced, I had a day to plan and leave my place for home – to be with my family. I could imagine the tough time that my family would have to suffer in my absence. Thus, I planned for my air- journey, tickets were available then. I discussed with my family about my journey – its pros and cons. My elder daughter reasoned with me and ultimately dissuaded me from travelling arguing that it would unnecessarily expose me to risk and since all are fine then why to take such a risk? I found logic in it and reminded myself of PM Modi’s advice to stay put wherever you are. Yes, I am not with my family in this lockdown. So far, my family has managed themselves well and I hope that with every passing day, as Corona spreads it tentacles, they will be able to manage the remaining phase of the lockdown and the hardships due to it with their disciplined actions. My wife, daughters and son are doing a fabulous job, I must appreciate. For me, they are champions. And likewise, millions and millions of champions are there helping save the country from the disaster of the scale previously unseen by the world. I am proud of my family and all such sensible citizens – who are making minimum possible movements out of their homes!

The day had been very hectic, most of the time was consumed going thru the emails and actions related to it combined with official telephonic calls. Today, I had plans for ironing my clothes in the evening, that had been waiting for the last one week. While washing clothes is child’s play, ironing is not! It is a serious task. I had scheduled it for the evening and I took more than an hour to complete ironing, however, belting out of old romantic Hindi film hits one after the other by none other than Alexa helped me enjoy this boring job!

Challenges are numerous and we have very good number of people, institutions and government machineries working relentlessly to wipe out Corona from our land. I salute all such Corona Warriors – ranging from the little kids sharing their cute video clips to the singer police officials and from the safaiwalas to the doctors, nurses and all involved in helping ease the pains of COVID-19 patients. Doordarshan too is doing a fabulous job.

Before I close, I would like to tell you about a quirky coincidence that happened today – coincidence of the nines! Today is the 9^th day of the lockdown, which is falling today on Ram-Navami (the 9^th Day)! Hold on, I have two more 9s - I ironed out 9 pieces of clothes today and started writing this blog at 9:00 pm tonight! Just on a lighter note, always being serious is not good!

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Lockdown Advantage Lost : Day 8 of the Lockdown

As I open my eyes in the morning, I notice a distinct golden voice in the chorus of the birds. And it was none other than the Cuckoo; impeccably maintaining its musical arrival, in the month so well captured in the following nursery rhyme –

In April, come I will

In May, I sing all day

In June, I change my tune

In July, I prepare to fly

In August, go I must!

I would be happy to monitor the above events in that may unfold in the coming months; it would be fun to do so.

Today being 1^st April 2020, marks the beginning of the new Financial Year 2020-21 under the dark shadows of the deadly virus Corona. In the challenging times that our country is passing through, Ministry of Finance has taken timely actions to alleviate the pains of the ordinary tax-payers – like extension in dates for tax saving investments and filing of IT Returns is highly appreciable. May we all fight back strongly with Corona Virus by isolating ourselves unitedly, to bounce back strongly in good health. Wealth will follow on its own.

While I expressed my apprehensions yesterday about spreading of Corona Virus infection be the delagates, I fear that my apprehensions are unfortunately proving to be true. Due to the irresponsible act of Tablighi Jamaat, the number of positive COVID-19 cases has seen a sharp rise in Delhi and other cities. It may be termed as cold-blooded murder and mass murder as well by the organizers of the religious conference at the Markaz! Had good sense prevailed on this Jamaat, we would have been well on the path of the flat curve signifying no new Corona cases. But all the good work has been reversed by a single irresponsible act which has now cast a wide Corona web covering the entire length and breadth of the country with infected persons. Already more than 323 of the delegates are confirmed to be carrying the Corona Virus while at least 10 have already succumbed to the infection. This has pushed total cases in India above 2000. It is just a beginning; the country will have to pay a very heavy price for it.

Tracing down each of the delegates will take time and by that time it would be too late. It would be best if the state governments and the local administration encourages such people to report on their own and assuring them of no action against them. This would at least help in curtailing the number of infections by them. I hope that it happens sooner than later.

Amidst the increasing grip of Corona Virus in India and in majority of the countries of the world, some great initiatives by the netizens, local administration and local government is praiseworthy. For instance, a video clip showing the residents of Patiala showering flowers on a sweeper for his continued services in this challenging time is heartwarming. We all should have such empathy towards people who are out on the streets to serve us for providing the basic necessities – be it the police, municipality workers or the doctors and their assistants in the hospitals. Delhi CM has announced compensation of Rs. 1.0 crore for those health workers who die of Corona infections due to their being in the service of Corona patients. Delhi CM Kejariwal’s assurance to the medical fraternity is laudable.

Remain at Home! Take Care! Beware of online fraudsters!

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