Bhanu's blog

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.