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!

#coronavirus #covid19 #narendramodi @PMO #pmo #lockdown #india #lockdownindia @india #covid2020 #corona @pmoindia  #ordinary #indian #anordinaryindian #fightcoronavirus #fightCOVID-19 #helpingfightcorona #madhukarmohan #pandemic #AkshayKumar #TATA

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!

#coronavirus #covid19 #narendramodi @PMO #pmo #lockdown #india #lockdownindia @india #covid2020 #corona @pmoindia  #ordinary #indian #anordinaryindian #fightcoronavirus #fightCOVID-19 #helpingfightcorona #wewillwin

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!

#coronavirus #covid19 #narendramodi @PMO #pmo #lockdown #india @india #covid2020 #corona @pmoindia  # ordinary #indian #anordinaryindian #fightcoronavirus #fightCOVID-19

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.

#coronavirus #covid19 #narendramodi @PMO #pmo #lockdown #india @india #covid2020 #corona @pmoindia

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! 

#coronavirus #covid19 #narendramodi @PMO #pmo #lockdown #india @india #covid2020 #corona @pmoindia

Bravo Sentinelese! Let No One Trespass!

Sixty thousand years of existence! It simply illustrates the power and resilience of the  Sentinelese Tribe – the inhabitants of the North Sentinel Island in Andaman Island chain. They are strong enough and do not need any aid, medicine, religion or missionary to preach them! They are with the nature and let them be, as they are, unpolluted and pure!

The Sentinelese, to me, are the most developed tribe and they don’t need mercy of the so called developed society for food, medicines, security or for religious preaching. They have enough means and ways to deal with the vagaries of the nature, including the recent Tsunami of 2004! They are in complete harmony with the nature. And that should be the true definition and parameter of a developed society!

Contrast it with the so called developed beings – the anthropologists, missionaries, tourists, businessmen, et al - dying to help the Sentinelese for petty gains! The humanity which is battering fellow human beings on one pretext or the other, choking itself to death with all kinds of pollution in the name of developmental activities; have no right to interfere with anyone and especially the aboriginal tribe living at peace with itself and with the nature.

We, the human beings, tend to call ourselves developed – by the mere ability and logic of having developed technologies! And that too at the cost of our very existence! Is it development? Are we justified calling ourselves developed, when we are corrupted with all kinds of vices and work for only personal gains - that too at the cost of the nature? Except human beings, all other organisms are living without any technological gadgets, Wi-Fi, religions, preachers, nuclear bombs – but they are working ceaselessly to maintain the balance of life on earth! Just pause and think for a while – who is more evolved and developed! In the name of development, we have only created conflicts and in the process we have made this earth a battleground with least respect to nature and its creations.

Each nation has set up defence forces for securing its territory, and to keep others at bay we keep on displaying our strength by detonating bombs and issuing warnings. No country likes any outsider to breach its boundary! Sentilese too are doing the same thing, defending their territory from the outside forces and they have every right to do it. We have no right to interfere with them.

Being a part of India, Govt. of India should make all efforts to safeguard the interests of the Sentinelese by making it a safe place for them, by not interfering with them and not allowing anyone else to breach the territory of the Sentilese. Let’s respect them, whoever they are, whatever they are! We have no right and business to infect them with our thoughts and actions! They are the true human beings, the unadulterated creation of the nature!

I know, the Sentilese would never be able to read or listen to my views on them, but still I would like to tell them that I respect their culture, their life. And everyone should!

Bravo Sentinelese! Let no one trespass!

The seat of Spiritualism, Learning and Power - Bodh Gaya, Nalanda and Rajgir!

Visiting the ruins of Nalanda Vishwa Vidyalaya had been on my Wish list for a long  long time. So is true for Bodh Gaya and  Rajgir. Despite being from Bihar, it took me years to visit these places – which holds its importance for being the seat of spirituality and learning. I have been to many places, but these three places stand out. The experience is inexplicable! You can feel the vibe emanating from the red brick walled corridors, hostels and the teaching area. You can see the charred and melted bricks – as a testimony to the act of arson by the invaders in which the entire library got gutted – it is said that the library had such a large stock of books and research papers that the fire continued for six months!

The ruins of Nalanda University is imposing! It had a nine story library, 10000 students, hostel for them – with spacious rooms , 7:1 Students to Teacher ratio, hostel for all, quality education and that too free of cost! Unbelievable, isn’t it! It was a humbling experience. Truly.

Then, the Bodh Gaya – saw the Bodhi Tree. I was told that the current tree is the fourth generation! One has to deposit the mobile , but can  carry your Camera for a fee. As you enter the campus, peace and tranquility descends on you! Magical. Very neatly maintained. Beautiful Idol of Buddha in the main Bodhi Temple.

I was told that as you enter Bodh Gaya, you will feel as if you are not in India!(the phrase that we use to impress that the place is very neat and clean, well organised, etc..). Yes, the Bodhi Temple and the other Temples built by different countries are neat and clean, same is not true for Bodh Gaya. It is a normal place. Yes, during the winter most of the videshi tourists visit, it gets flooded with them and locals might get outnumbered during those days – giving it a firangi look!

Rajgir has many attractions – it was the Capital City – infact, the First Capital of Magadh! Son Bhandaar – is rumoured to hold huge treasure – but no one so far has got the clue to open it! The natural Hot Spring – has medicinal values – couldn’t take bath here due to heavy rush of the Bol Bum Kanwariyas – who on their return journey from Deogarh come here to take the medicinal hot bath – for getting relief from the pain and tiresome journey on foot!

At Pandu Pokhar in Rajgir, one can go for some sporting thrill – zip line, Burma Bridge, Boating and can also stay there in tented accommodation at a reasonable price.

I recommend to hire a local guide, it helps in better understanding of these seats of high learning!