What has the CoVid19 virus pandemic done to the
world? Where are we heading?
The puny, invisible
virus has forced the world down on its knees and brought out the positive and
negative traits of humans. The fear of catching the dreaded virus has
created panic and
On one
side, the noble human values of sympathy, empathy, compassion, helpfulness,
co-operation, civility, unity, brotherhood, discipline, sharing, caring have
all manifested in the fight against the Corona pandemic.
On the
other side, the ugly and ghastly face of human beings is also revealing it's
real colors through senseless violence, brutal attacks on police, health
workers, doctors, government officials and volunteers, and destruction of
public property.
People seem
have lost the sense of relationships, family values, bonding, societal
responsibilities and humanitarian sensibilities.
Greed,
selfishness, self-protection and survival by any means, blatant disregard and
disrespect for rules and law, bigotry, thuggery, thievery, elitism, vanity, religious
fundamentalism, chauvinism have all degraded the human character and behavior
pulling them down to the unbelievable dark, disgusting depths of evil and
devil.
The virus
has shown the true nature of mankind - both the dreadful and respectful - when
faced with insurmountable challenges and fear of the unknown in the face of an
unpredictable rival.
The unseen
Corona virus has been a great teacher which has exposed and illuminated the hitherto
hidden wickedness in humans. Conversely, several persons have realized peace
and joy through philanthropy and charity and by extending a helping hand to
those in need in these stressful times.
Society
will not be the same again.
The total
lockdown imposed by governments in almost all countries across the world to
counter and control the spread of Corona virus has affected all realms of our
life. The life style, activities, priorities and functions of all humans have
undergone a sea change, to say the least, as a consequence of the hitherto
unknown and unforeseen restrictions placed on routine activities. There is an
inevitable blurring of the line between rich and poor, powerful and weak,
educated and illiterate, white skinned and dark skinned, supremacist and the
downtrodden and the like. People confined to their homes have realized the uselessness
of amassed wealth while healthy lifestyle and food habits have come into sharp focus.
Many individuals have come to appreciate the importance of family values and
trust while spending indoor time with kith and kin. Of course, the darker side
of this proximity has appeared through contempt for one another and instances
of domestic violence.
No travel,
no shopping, no recreation, no functions, and tragically, no decent religious obsequies
for Covid19 related dead friends and relatives. Traditional office work, as
known to us till now, has seen a revolutionary transformation. The concept of Work From Home, until recently a
privilege enjoyed by software professionals and alien to many others, has invaded
other offices and forcibly modified the idea of work per se and output thus
becoming an acceptable practice. The metrics for evaluating the performance of
employees have to be recalibrated to sync with changing times and situations.
Airports,
railways, Metros, buses, cabs, private vehicles etc., have all been stopped.
Vehicle sales and fuel consumption have taken a nosedive. Roads are empty - no
accidents and less pollution. Insurance companies have to rework their premia and
terms and conditions to bring back their clientele. The syndicate of petroleum
producing nations have lost their leverage and cannot hold the world to ransom
with threats of reducing production or hiking prices. People no more track the
rise and fall in fuel prices. No one seems to care. Vehicle manufacturers and
ancillary units face a bleak future now that people have realized the futility
of unwanted travel and the advantages of WFH system.
Tourism and
hospitality industry have taken a big hit. Crime and anti-social activities
have dropped. Entertainment, adventure and recreation professions are facing
the brunt. Artists are now forced to go online not only for performances but
also for tutoring their pupils.
Electrical
power consumption has gone down leading to a surplus power in the grid. Office
spaces are vacant. Gleaming glass façade buildings have lost their glitter and
shine. Meetings, group discussions, seminars are all happening online. Time
saved, travel avoided and expenditure pruned! Pilgrimages have taken a back
seat and places of religious importance wear deserted looks.
Industrial
activities and manufacturing have grinded to a deafening halt. Construction works
are at a standstill. Service sector has been severely affected. Job losses, pay
cuts and disaster stare at the disillusioned and dejected faces of workmen.
Schools and
colleges have closed. Teachers are delivering lectures and notes online!
Students are denied the physical company and happy times with their mates. Lessened
paperwork, more digital environment and more time spent at home providing great
relief to parents!
The efforts
and risks taken by the frontline Covid19 warriors like healthcare
professionals, police, municipal corporation workers have been recognized,
acknowledged and appreciated by one and all. It is heartening to see the police
personnel being felicitated by the very same persons who had previously chided
them for imposing strict measures in crime and traffic control! The bouquets
and accolades bestowed on these personnel signal the welcome return of the moderates
in the civil society.
The greatest
beneficiaries of this virus attack on human beings have been planet Earth and
our environment and other living beings. Significant decline in plastic usage
has been a relief. We see cleaner rivers, clearer air, lesser noise, more
greenery and free movement of animals. The big polar hole in the ozone layer
has closed by itself. A healing process has started by mother Earth.
Nature has
reclaimed its rightful space.
