Without peace in the streets, nobody living in a castle is safe!
Plague, smallpox, cholera and HIV/AIDS have killed millions of people over the years. The outbreaks of these diseases crossed international borders to devastating effects. Ebola has killed thousands of people but remained confined to West Africa. Influenza became a pandemic, first in 1918, and kept returning with newer incurable strains. These diseases typically crossover from animals into the human system and attack the respiratory system causing fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In some unfortunate people, they lead to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
In the 1970s, based on the crown-like spikes on their surface, the name ‘coronavirus’ was given to a family of RNA viruses. There are several known coronaviruses circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans. Sometimes, coronaviruses that infect animals can evolve and make people sick and become a new human coronavirus. When this happens, how it happens, no one knows. All viruses keep changing their forms, so it is impossible to have vaccines against them. All great scientific advancements appear to be unable to stop this mysterious game of nature. All said and done, it looks more of nature’s way to interfere into human affairs and correct the ways of the world.
The current crises unfolded with the New Year 2020. China alerted the World Health Organization (WHO) to several cases of unusual pneumonia in Wuhan, a port city of 11 million people in the central Hubei province. It was not the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus that originated in China and killed more than 770 people worldwide in 2002-2003. This was something new. The first death occurred on January 9 when a 61-year-old infected person died in the hospital of heart failure. Over the next few days, people arriving to other places from Wuhan started showing signs of infection. By the time January ended, the WHO declared coronavirus a global emergency.
Two countries with close links to China, by way of a large number of Chinese coming there – Italy and Iran – confirmed the spread of the virus out of China. In Italy, the government imposed a strict quarantine in the state of Lombardy and 14 other areas in the north, affecting a total of 16 million people. On March 9, Iran released about 70,000 prisoners because of the coronavirus outbreak in the country. India got into the act by first pulling her citizens out of China. Then, the fear gripped people. Large-scale gatherings began to get cancelled and the Prime Minister announced a nation-wide lockdown of 21 days, starting March 25, 2020. Fortunately, no widespread transmission has been reported beyond those who were infected by the people who returned from abroad. I hope all this will pass off like a bad dream.
Back from India, President Trump saw a golden opportunity in coronavirus to break the grip of China over the US economy. Over the years, China has seized the American economy through investments and trade. Fighting a full four-year term against it, the Trump administration was far from loosening the Chinese grip over the American financial system. Most other countries abided by the US imposed sanctions, but not China, which continued to trade with Iran. Cutting both ways, Trump first said, “The Democrats are politicizing the coronavirus… this is their new hoax,” and criticized the press as being “in hysteria mode” and then renamed the virus as ‘China virus.’ He used his Twitter to say, “The United States will be powerfully supporting those industries, like Airlines and others that are particularly affected by the Chinese Virus. We will be stronger than ever before!”
There have been other different views expressed and methods followed. Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro called the coronavirus illness ‘a little flu’ and did not take drastic measures like lockdown. The Russians closed themselves from the outside world. China ruthlessly tamed the disease. Iran went into denial and panic. South Korea undertook a massive diagnostic test drive for its people and may emerge as the leader against infectious diseases in the post-coronavirus world. Bangladesh not only followed the India strategy, but even developed a $3 test kit that can detect coronavirus in less than 15 minutes, ahead of the Indians.
Two things are clear. First, the coronavirus is no revenge by nature. At the worst, it can be seen as a speed breaker against going too fast, caution to businesses against being too greedy, converting everything into money. The way stock-markets crashed, the impermanency of wealth came like a rude slap. It definitely brought families closer. During lockdown, individuals were forced to spend time together as families and many children and parents saw each other in new light.
Second, science matters. The only solution to stop the spread of coronavirus disease is by limiting the interaction of individuals and groups. This fact has brought to light the limitations of modern medical care which is designed around just few diseases. Infectious challenges shine a light on a central concern of public health — without improving the health of populations, no individual is safe. Wealth and status are no shield against mortality. Pictures of heads of states and business tycoons wearing masks and news of royalty in England being affected too, taught us that nature’s grip spares none.
The heavy losses in the economy can be used for a wise reset, favoring farmers, small industries and businesses around day to day lives of people. The Indian government wisely helped out the poor and the farmers during lockdown. To me, the biggest lesson from this calamity is that a country of more than billion people can’t flourish through continuous agitations and endless imports for basic needs. Let us be a harmonious, productive, cooperative and above all, Indian-first society in all our deeds and discourses. Not only are we all connected, we are also existentially interconnected.
I have no doubt whatsoever, that India has been spared for good. Great efforts by all have contained the infection to Level 2 that is, isolating imported infection. But good luck is never guaranteed forever. Dr Kalam had quoted American poetess Annie Johnson Flint (1866 – 1932) in Wings of Fire,
“God had not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God had not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.”
Let this outbreak of a physical malady, a virus, awaken our collective conscience. True security is based on people’s welfare – on a thriving economy, on strong public health and education. Individual health and wealth are as fragile as a house of cards that can collapse every time a breeze enters the room.
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Arunji, very well written on current state. It has cautioned us to be better prepared by improving public health infrastructure and system. It helped us improve family and other relationships and self discipline. Learnt to use resources in an effective manner.
Sir, Here are some of my thoughts. Reading more and articles that are coming out every day… As an inquisitive scientist, this virus certainly is a very intelligent virus adapting to our immune defense thus is here to stay for a long time.
According to Prof Susan Weiss, at University of Penn who has researched corona viruses for the last 40 years says corona viruses have been described in literature since late 1940s. She is now on PridigY chief advisor and Dr. Satish Chandran as CEO who explored DNA viruses in mid 1990s.
It appears to me that this intelligent virus, unlike previous viruses is putting selective evolutionary pressures to adapt our genome to integrate new viral genomes and thus slowly evolving into higher species in another few hun dress edto thousands of years. (I am not under any influence of alcohol or medications!).
But the fact of the matter is our efforts to develop vaccines or other prophylactics and repurposing drugs will become a challenge.
The political and economic devastation may continue with several businesses may go under but my hope is that governments fund more innovative and creative research rather than funding self serving lobbyists. Certainly India needs to embark on modern research to help itself rather than depending on western or chinese research. We have wealth of holistic medicine discovered centuries ago which need to be converted into evidence based medicine to compete in modern era. Common man needs to be educated in layman terms to ensure they understand this virus doesn’t discriminate and more mutated forms with increasing virility may cause more damage to human life.
Excellently portrayed the power of nature and it’s method of course correction sir , the points which are mentioned is absolutely correct sir , i am very blessed to have professor like you sir.
History showcases the fragile trait of humans to have the best to do the worst. Obsession to progress, independence over interdependence, self orientation, greed over need, sidelining of nature and many such maladies of recent humans are in evidence.
Nature had messaged through the pandemic ‘Corona virus’ about Fragility of humans and time for a wake up call. Rich, poor, famous & unknowns, caste, creed, religion, nation, gender, etc which ever which had been barriers between us earlier for good relationships, this virus has been a teacher of fear beyond bounds, so we rise together.
Waiting in arms is the call to respect nature, other living beings, values of life, etc which when attended to will rejuvenate the planet as a better place to lead life.
Thanks to the outbreak of corona, humans are experiencing the touch of ‘Karma’ with a sublime ‘Namaste’ towards their human and nature environment.
Article strikes a chord to all to champion to rise to a new world order.
As always, relevant, thought provoking and a way forward blog by you Sir. The world wide lockdown by this crowned virus is not only changing how people view their lives but also made one realize that life itself is a privilege. Its ironic that developed nations are most affected by it and are in a situation like a war ridden country.
Our country is lucky that we were not the first few countries who have been affected by this deadly virus and were already aware of the consequences this pandemic may lead to. Also, we are blessed that we are lead by an effective, pro active and a motivating Prime Minister who unlike some other country leaders have not ignored the threat and acted in a timely manner. I am almost certain that otherwise this pandemic would have caused great agony to our beloved country.
Although, I would like to believe India is a great nation with warm and good people who would undertsand and follow the impositions put by the government, but we also have some people like our beloved MP in opposition who says “mere clapping will not be enough” or “I will rest if I feel like instead of lighting diyas”, of course we know clapping is not enough but it is a symbol of solidarity and we the people support the fight againt the pandemic, albeit my mere clapping.
I feel many points made by you are exemplary especially about resetting the economy and making ours a India First society and hopefully implemented. I hope this current pandemic leaves the world with enough dent as to retrospect and acknowledge that we are just a part of this nature as any living creature, just blessed with some intelligence so that we do not chop away the branch we are sitting on.
Very nicely put sir, the world will be a changed place post the lockdown across…lets hope sanity prevails and the mad rush to show one upmanship by fellow human being, the politcal bosses and countries comes down. Live and let others live should be the motto.
Who would have thought even as late as January this year that the World in 2020 would be so much in the grip of an unknown virus causing so much havoc. It is totally a new experience for people to sit at home helplessly and hoping and praying that we don’t get the virus !! Families separated by continents and getting anxious as to how we all will come out of this pandemic.
In my personal opinion God is with India that we are so far not drastically affected. Off course we have done our purusharth and followed guidelines based on other people’s experiences. The economic challenges will still have to be faced. Hope on that front too God will be with us.
Hope that the world finds some sort of medicine to contain this on a permanent basis,
Very clear and consize viewpoint sir. I have to add few point. You wrote that our healthcare is revolving around few diseases and it is very true. This lockdown needed to be seen as self introspection for all of us. Like a student how they have to project their life their ambitions, a researcher what they are doing and how they have to carry forward their research to product based system instead of just publication, government how they have to modify their health care. Personally I feel that a introspection is needed at every level. Government must ask from different research institutions about their contributions they made in this outbreak . Frankly we are lacking behind in testing, controlling and we can control this outbreak only if luck will be our side. Also a more precise guideline and plans needed to be performed if any outbreak comes in future. These times makes or break any country and lastly HOPE for the BEST.
I concur with your your conclusion. Annie Johnson Flint captures the fundamental premise of Creation, and what it means to be human, very well. It is indeed a fitting way to capture your thesis!
Humans are part of Samsara; unceasing flow of life in all its kaleidoscopic splendor. We are here to experience, learn, and grow as we travel along the flow. Although all sages and seers have advised to focus on love and joy, we’ve continuously tried to “own” it; only to leave empty handed, while causing a great deal of anguish and turmoil for all. This new crisis promises that we’ll continue on that path.
The way things have progressed, it looks like the “castle dwellers” have done a great deal to escalate it, perhaps to feel safer or something else…
One thing that cutting edge science and ancient metaphysics agree on, is that the state of high fear and anxiety make humans quite vulnerable to all sorts of ailments – body, mind, and spirit. However, the one two punch of fear of dying (the manner in which constant media coverage has been handled) and complete loss of livelihood for many (street people per the title), has done the very thing, and made this event most puzzling. It has drowned voices of reason almost completely, as vast majority haven’t paid attention to the likes of Dr. John Ioannidis (Stanford professor of medicine and epidemiology) and others around the world. They bring a reasoned approach to help calm down the panic response, but to no avail.
All this has left me pondering the following.
Where is greater panic – in castles or on streets?? Hmm, quite intriguing and counter intuitive, when you see panic being driven from the top down! Why are castle dwellers showing greater panic?
Life flows from the very Source of the universe/multiverse, and is vastly greater than individual humans. It will go on just fine. I’d suggest – let’s step out of fear and do what we can for fellow human beings, Mother Nature knows how to reset/reboot the system. Namaste!
Arunji, “without improving the health of populations, no individual is safe. Wealth and status are no shield against mortality”. Thanks for concisely capturing not only the history of the pandemics, but also highlighting fragility of personal wealth and status. We would further like to see your views on each nation’s responsibility to the other in this era of interconnected world.
Without peace in the streets, nobody living in a castle is safe!: Dear Sir, Coronavirus and it’s spread in and outside India is central to your discussion. But you have raised many national and geo political issues including it’s financial impect world over. You have explained how the virus got spread to other countries like Iran, Italy and USA and how India has managed to control it’s spread. You have touched every aspect affecting 1.3 billion Indians lives in many ways. You have discussed the impact of nature and how spirituality is in the basic nature of India and the Indians. It is very obvious from the write-up up that you have a deep knowledge and experience of India as a nation and it’s nature and spiritual life of it’s people. All this has been possible only because you yourself have lived a life close to the nature and spirituality. Your firm belief that India’will come out a winner and more stronger from the disease of Coronavirus is the belief of 1.3 billion Indians. Best wishes and Jai Hind.
During the harvest of paddy, pollution caused by burning, many commentator said air pollution is truly democratic. Every one in Delhi and surround area consumed their proportion through breathing. This pandemic seems affecting every being on this planet in its unique way.
Your blogs which begins by elaborating history of pandemic and in second half its worst possible affect, Yes it must be seen as speed breaker against going too fast – Converting everything into money and being Greedy.
I think we all should ponder on it very deeply. As you said “The only solution to stop the spread of corona virus disease is by limiting the interaction of individuals and groups ” .
To my mind this self discipline , will teach us to realize that in 21st century our science is still far away in giving solution for 21st century’s problem which spares no one .
Yes in this pandemic till now India has been spared for GOOD. But we should be very careful as you wrote Good Luck is never guaranteed forever.
This lock down must awaken our collective conscience, So we all be able to invent solution for Global Problem .
Sir in your very own style, you touched many aspects very lucidly. Waiting for your next Blog.
Insightful article with a perspective from all aspects. Every system that is under Go-Go mode needs break at times – When preventive maintenance instructions are not followed, it leads to major maintenance which cause loss of money and time along with the health of the system. However, nature know how to find a way to get maintenance done by leading a bug – time to time which is beyond our capability to understand and react.
The words of Abdul Kalam sir always sprinkle positive vibes and a perfect end to this blog – we all shall overcome this and we shall come out more positive. 🙂 Thank you!
A very informative article covering the current scenario. Got to know about the history, worldwide action and timeline of this pandemic. This time of crisis has made us think as a community and to survive this we need to act like a community. Like you mentioned people’s welfare on strong public health and education leads to true security.
Very true sir. It the time for introspection, truthful to our resolve of fighting this pandemic by following instructions.
Let’s hope that the peace will be restored and new ray of hope will be visible soon.
Without Peace in the Streets…… is a very incisive piece on the subject which reflects Arun bhaisaab’s flowing style of writing as well as his grip on the matter. In a nutshell he has put across the prevailing situation ,the way countries are dealing with it. One thirst for sanity in writing in an increasingly insane world. I look forward to following you. Thank you.
Shri Arun Tiwari Ji, you have very nicely penned effects and possible aftermath of Corona Pandemic originating in Wuhan, China and spreading globally. I see this man-made calamity much greater than the 9/11 attack on Twin towers WTC. Its impact on human mortality and morbidity remained localised but now corona crisis has assumed unthinkable proportions baffling powerful Nations USA, EU, Russia and India.
The corona pandemic is still in ascending phase millions across the globe have been suddenly forced to undergo Lockdown which is imperative as a preventive measure for further escalation. Unorganised sector and migrants workers in Metros has led to chaotic situation, These homeless, penniless hungry people are posing a big challenge for the nation. Nation’s Economy is sinking, share market collapsing, job losses and slow down further indicate a grim situation. Health care is of paramount importance especially when no eEffective drug against Coronavirus is available vaccines are undertrial may take few years before it’s available for wider use.
Trump’s rhetorical speeches from time to time have antagonised North Korea and China. China was put to face an undeclared Economic war. Now see the consequences of one-up-manship. EU facing shortages of Corona test kits, Ventilators, body covers and facemasks। Interestingly, to Italy Spain and US, worst hit China is supplying face masks and Test kits to several countries. India with early Lockdown and better immune status is not showing high mortality ad seen in the West, one wonders what Wuhan China Lab was doing with this deadly Virus leak or spread from China is accidental or by design to ruin World Economy?????? Conspiracy theories are doing rounds about a secret biological weapon to control unrest in Hong Kong and tame G-Five Nations. What’s the Game plan only God knows or handful of people with cruel intentions.
Agenda 21 (a non-binding action plan of the United Nations with regard to sustainable development) speaks a lot about the future of the planet earth and humanity. God Save not only America but planet earth from this catastrophic। pandemic!
It’s really a very informative analysis on covid-19. Hope we have better tomorrow.
Sir, It is full of information and the realisation. Hope, we will come out from this present situation soon. This lockdown days realise me our existence in front of mother nature. The ultimate truth of our life is huminity. I have realised this again in this lockdown period and it will be a lesson for rest of my life.
I Like the way you’ve concluded the article. Dr Kalam had a way with words. Just the way it is penned, humans have co-existed with the best and worst, bad and good. Forget leaders, no ordinary citizen has the means and time to worry about crashing stock markets or trade or sanctions. The only concern is to evade the virus by any means. We are keeping a watch out for the latest development in containing the outbreak and treating this fatal disease, aren’t we? Mistakes and failures are part of battling a pandemic as this but ‘cruel and inhuman’ treatment meted out to the poor in the name of disinfecting or quarantining them is intolerable. It haunts me. Interaction among individuals and between groups should have been curtailed ever since we got the hint of corona instead of teasing and taunting people who think differently. We had massive gatherings to welcome and hosted dignitaries. Conventions of all kinds weren’t called off to play the religious cards so effectively on the opportune moment. In my opinion, this too shall pass. Amidst the noise, fury and tragedy we shall rest for the dust to settle, shall we? May we be prudent enough to not sow hate and prejudice by circulating unwarranted media files because these are days that call for tolerance, understanding and love. If at all an urge arises to criticize or find fault, re-direct thoughts to find solutions, lend a hand or say a prayer.
A novel strain of coronavirus — SARS-CoV-2 — was first detected in December 2019 in Wuhan, a city in China’s Hubei province with a population of 11 million, after an outbreak of pneumonia without an obvious cause. The virus has now spread to over 200 countries and territories across the globe, and was characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11 March 2020. As of 2 April 2020, there were 896,450 laboratory-confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, with 45,525 reported deaths. The number of cases and deaths outside of China overtook those within the country on 16 March 2020.
But in these times of uncertainty, we also need to pause and celebrate some of the positive changes that have already occurred on an unprecedented scale.
One aspect is that people are coming together. We all came together and helped each other. Many of us are finding ways to bring out the best in ourselves and our communities, resisting misinformation and divisiveness. People and businesses are creating online resources to help ease the tension and inconvenience of quarantine, many of them free or discounted.
Cooperation is spreading on an unprecedented global scale. We are all focusing on what matters most, the vital importance of coordination and cooperation has become a reality again.
We are finally slowing down. Overwork and over-productivity is another problem COVID-19 is helping us surmount. At this point, most of us are already living in conditions of enforced slowness and distancing that are finally giving us the opportunity to work less, spend time with loved ones, and find the time to chat, read, play music, cook and engage in all the pleasures we had forgotten to cultivate as we were chasing the futile goals of our accelerated, anxious lives.
Sir, You have ended the article very prophetically. We are witnessing the rise now. Like anything in this world, the COVID pandemic too is not permanent, nevertheless, it would leave ugly scars in the lives of many people and countries. The article is very interesting in the way it covers both science, politics and policies.
Well articulated blog, Prof Tiwariji !
Let us contribute our mite to overcome the situation created by Corona virus.
Arunji, one more excellent topic of today – well analysed and presented. Congratulations. This is the time to demonstrate Leadership in Crisis. Lock down is timely and appropriate and brought family together and sent message of “People first”. Humility and decisiveness are important leadership qualities during this period and not over-confidence and deriding others.
Such a well written article Prof. Tiwari. This lockdown definitely has succeeded in reseting our minds and lives. As you rightly mentioned in your article, it has allowed me to look at my home, family, work and myself in a totally different light. I firmly believe that we will emerge out of this pandemic soon as more socially responsible, mindful and contributing human beings.
As you have said, this is a good time to reset.
Let us get our priorities right. Let us concentrate on strengthening the back bone of the country (which is in the rural areas). Let us try to try to be independent rather than inter-dependant.
The leader has got a inspiration – whereby hopefully we should be able to avoid the pandemic. BUT, let each of us add to the PRESPIRATION to make this country strong.
I am remembered of the pledge we used to take while at school – TO MY COUNTRY AND MY PEOPLE PLEDGE MY DEVOTION
Prayers and best wishes for a brigher future for the generations to come.
Repeated outbreaks of virus and other diseases and occurrence of natural calamities are interventions of the nature to restore equilibrium in the universe. These interventions serve as warning signals to highlight that something awe fully wrong is going on in the world. In this universe, everything is cyclic and interdependent. With nature evolution works, not revolution.
Urgency and seriousness of the present crisis got lost under the pressure of economic and political considerations. Only when it became clear that the crisis is a bigger monster, did the politicians and policy makers were awakened. By this time, the genie was already out and causing havoc. Governments initiated various measures including some harsh ones ensuring minimum discomfort to the population. However, some religious groups defied control measures and added fuel to the fire causing impediment to corona management efforts. Alas! Politicians are politicians. Instead of coming together to fight the common enemy, they started blaming each other. Migrant workers episode created another major setback to the lockout measure. There is no crisis bigger than hunger. For people with empty stomach nothing matters.
The most disturbing thing that is happening in some areas is stone pelting and hurting government officials (medical staff and police personnel) and openly defying required control measures. This is most unfortunate but has to be dealt with iron hands including denial of medical facilities to such people.
Collective conscience can only be developed when all segments of the society are served effectively and their welfare ensured. It is incumbent on the rich to take care of the poors of the society. The rich are safe only till the poor are safe.
– [ ]
Excellently portrayed the power of nature and it’s method of course correction. This is an opportunity for all of us to introspect and readjust our lifestyle to make it more nature friendly . Otherwise there may be more such occasions where nature becomes an harsh enemy wherein the existence of human race itself is in doubt. We have historical evidence of dinosaurs in support of this argument.
Dear Bhaisab, Jai Swaminarayan! Thanks for rightly analyzing the current situation.
“The coronavirus is no revenge by nature. At the worst, it can be seen as a speed breaker against going too fast, caution to businesses against being too greedy, converting everything into money. The way stock-markets crashed, the impermanency of wealth came like a rude slap. It definitely brought families closer. During lockdown, individuals were forced to spend time together as families and many children and parents saw each other in new light.”
You are absolutely right in describing the greedy mankind of today’s world.
Nature takes it’s own course and show it’s supremacy over the humans.
We are greedy, we are over confident. Our greed for money is responsible for environmental imbalance. Our greed for religious supremacy is responsible for killing each other.
Over confident US is now become the biggest epicenter of Covid-19.
The religious radicalism has put India in to a hotspot. A time bomb if explodes will create an un-precedented death trails.
China to some extent is responsible for current holocaust by concealing the extent of virus situation making it a pandemic. Also the exotic animal wet market of China is highly deplorable.
In this difficult times let us all pray that the course by the Mother Nature remains as a speed breaker and not the destroyer of human race.
Again a very well analyzed and written article. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
You have made some important points here, Arunji. Who knows where this virus saga will end?
We are in a very grim situation. Health, wealth and wisdom all are compromised today.
We need to stand as a human being to fight this evil else it will wipe out human beings and humanity.
Very good analysis of the current covid-19 pandemic and it’s socioeconomic ramifications.
In times such as these, it’s the poor, weak and economically disadvantaged that suffer most because the social safety nets are almost non existent. This should challenge our social conscience. Let’s determine to build resilient sustainable systems for healthcare that can withstand threats such as Ebola and Covid-19.
We can now vividly see that USA and Europe have failed health systems., probably linked to their ideological (capitalist) systems. They can’t cope with pandemics. It’s time for these countries to rethink about this and learn from the successes of India, China and African countries like Rwanda.
Some resource challenged countries have demonstrated effectiveness in handling the pandemic. I submit, this is linked to their social consciousness and the safety nets.
Let’s care for each other more. Let our governments care more for the weak and vulnerable by building sustainable social safety nets.
What an amazing read. What an amazing insight. Truly we need to create a more resalient economy and health care system. Its correct that we can search a positive dimension of the virus that can awake our conscience. Hope with Dr Kalam’s and your’s blessings, we will break the chain of unawareness of our mission and potential.
One will be thankful for N number of things after this pandemic ends. The things one was never grateful for. The things one always thought to be having by default. We have a a beautiful example for the same to ponder over.
After the 93 year old man in Italy got better in the hospital, he was told to pay for the ventilator for one day, the old man cried.
What the old man said made all the doctors cry.
Old man said, “I don’t cry because of the money I have to pay. I can pay all the money.” *I cry because I have been breathing God’s air for 93 years, but I never pay for it. It takes €5,000 to use a ventilator in a hospital for one day. Do you know how much I owe God ? I didn’t thank God for that before.”*
The truth of the news can’t be verified, but the old man’s words are worth our reflection.
When we breathe the air freely without pain or illness, no one takes the air seriously. Only when we enter the hospital can we know that even breathing oxygen with a ventilator costs money!
Cherish the time when we can breathe freely..! & Thank God and thank you Uncle for writing such an enlightening write-up as always.
Arun Ji, You have presented a different perspective of the pandemic. We all wish and hope that this is just a speed breaker and not a wall towards progress of the humanity (certainly not at the cost of Nature). We only advise all citizens of the planet to be recovering from this hit as a team.
The COVID-19 virus has indeed been a wake-up call for the entire world Prof. Tiwari. As you imply, perhaps some good has come out of the global lockdowns which has forced family members to more closely interact with each other and at times have surprisingly pleasant results from such adherence to the rules. This could be a nudge from God for another wake up call.
Bill Gates, in a 2015 TED talk, had warned of such a virus epidemic and accurately stated how unprepared the U.S. was for such an event. https://www.ted.com/talks/bill_gates_the_next_outbreak_we_re_not_ready#t-1909 Mr. Gates stated the Ebola epidemic was a wake call up that should cause us to prepare for a more dangerous viral outbreak. Unfortunately, his advice was not taken seriously. So we are learning the hard way and from this learning experience hopefully we all will be better prepared for the next pandemic.
Thank you Sir for this insightful article. Coronavirus pandemic is no less than a lesson and a time to appreciate what was otherwise taken for granted. It has impacted the lives of many in terrible ways,but the only silver lining to this can be seen in the form of unity brought by this virus. We are now fighting this together rather than as separate cities or countries. One aspect is the way New York, which is one of the most hard hit cities in the world affected by this virus, is trying to combat it. I have been staying here in New York since the outbreak started and realized that the Coronavirus reveals New York at it’s best and worst. We all know the worst. The best too should be pointed out.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is sending 250 ambulances and 500 EMTs to New York City to help with the surging number of 911 calls made across the city. The system, which typically averages 4,000 calls a day, saw the record for daily 911 calls broken three times last week.
A group of volunteers with the Christian organization Samaritan’s Purse began setting up a 68-bed field hospital in Central Park in the middle of Manhattan to serve as an adjunct to nearby Mt. Sinai hospital. Tennis stadiums are being converted to a 350- bed medical facility.
In anticipation of a coming peak in coronavirus cases, the state has reached out to retirees and medical professionals who are out of the occupation to build what Cuomo called a “surge medical force.” So far, he said, there have been 40,000 sign-ups for “possible reserve duty.” Among them are 2,265 physicians, 2,409 nurse practitioners, and more than 16,000 registered nurses. Also, doctors and nurses from all over the country are coming to New York to provide their services with full dedication and lots of hope and enthusiasm. NYU Medical students are offered early graduation so that they can provide their valuable services and they are gladly accepting the offer with no fear of their own lives.
On March 30, the US Navy Hospital Ship Comfort docked in New York City, where it is taking patients with non-coronavirus-related conditions in need of care. The city’s overwhelmed hospitals have been transformed almost entirely into centers for treating the viruses, but the need for other forms of medical treatment continues.
People from all over US are donating money and providing free meals to daily wage workers and their families affected by the lockdown.It is a grim time, but the combined and humongous efforts of the medical staff, researchers, police workforce, grocery and pharmacy workers, sanitation workers will surely help combat this virus. We need to stay positive and help the frontline workers by staying at home.
Greetings Tiwariji, Very nice article giving a snapshot of the global events around this pandemic. We are in very very weird times and things are changing by the minute. As we all know, the US has now accepted that New York in a helpless situation and the scenario in India is much worse than what it was two days back.
I am currently working in the UK and facing this pandemic from the front line, I would say that the situation here is nothing different from what it is in India. We face lot of emotional and mental challenges on a daily basis. Decisions like letting a patient deteriorate as you cannot do much, cancelling cancer surgeries etc. And on the top of this, how much ever we try to be in control, we panic. We panic every time a patient we have seen turns out to be positive later.
I would like to add that this pandemic has thought us one big lesson – Health is Wealth – As old fashioned as it may sound, thinking about it, the whole economy of a country crumbles when there is a massive health hazard. I wish India and other countries will realise that investing in Healthcare and especially Medical Research is the key to build a strong nation.
Very thoughtful ideas. A few things caught my attention:
“At the worst, it can be seen as a speed breaker against going too fast, caution to businesses against being too greedy, converting everything into money.”
The virus which began as a hoax to the first man of the world has revealed its true colours in a short time keeping those who underestimated it at the edge of their seats. A hoax turns monster.
But your ‘speed breaker’ expression is well-suited to the occasion. When the monster started gaining speed, the world has slowed down to a stand still throwing light into what the true necessities are in life.
“The heavy losses in the economy can be used for a wise reset, favoring farmers, small industries and businesses around day to day lives of people.”
Conclusion is suggestive of new and better ways to improve life in the re-constructed planet. It instills hope for a ‘brave new world’.
Dear Arun Tiwari Sir, This article is very informative with respect to the global as well as Indian scenario created by the Coronavirus episode. It is well said social distancing in public is the crux to prevent the spread of this virus as an epidemic in India which our Prime Minister and Our worthy Indian organizations like ICMR, DBT and CSIR have timely supported with the development of local interventions for detection and combat. We are also thankfulto the Indian bureaucratic system which along with state and central adminstrative organizations is providing full support to the people of India to stay at comfort indoors and spend quality time with their families as well, thereby checking the spread of this virus into stage III and IV.
Infact you have interwoven, the global economics, political interactions and the need of the hour to combat with this virus- Stay at home and Stay safe until we have the next set of instructions from our government. It is all about our safety, and God bless us all.
Truly an inspiring article!
The 21 day lockdown by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi is such a great and well calculated initiative towards the control of the rapid spreading coronavirus. The virus is figuring us out faster than we’re figuring it out. It is our duty to be socially responsible. This time provides us with the room to take a step back, reflect on what’s important and focus on what needs to be done.
Let this be an opportunity for us to be grateful to the healthcare personnel, for their exceptional service towards the communities.
This is not going to be the last outbreak we are going to witness. Outbreaks like this, are surely to happen. It’s not the matter of if, it’s only the matter of when.
Let this be an opportunity for us to learn, the ways we can strengthen our healthcare system, tie up the loose ends, focus on the preparedness.
Dear Arun ji, well written, crisp and consise. Here are a couple of things I still don’t understand. 1) Russia, which shares thousands of miles of border with China was spared. Japanese acted on January 30th and effectively controlled the spread. Interestingly, Beijing and Shanghai, to other big cities in China were also soared. Of course, Wuhan is directly connected to Italy by air. Isn’t there any internal business between Shanghai, Beijing and Wuhan? Very strange. Whatever it is the economy crashed all over the world but China is emerging as a leader in world economy.
This article reflects much on the resilience of the Indian society but by extension that of the human race. COVID 19 has taught us another lesson, mortals are equal at all time, interventions to contain the disease have not segregated classes we see in our societies everywhere, every day.
While the battle is far from over, I hope the joint efforts we have enlisted in fighting this disease will be harnessed in addressing the disparities we see everywhere we turn our eyes to in terms of resources allocation, economic development, service provision and acquisition without forgetting the chronic yet prevalent problem of malnutrition (over and under) and the attending consequences seen in the Non Communicable diseases suffered by the human race.
While families have been forced to stay together, truly brought closer during lockdown, individuals are forced to spend time together as families and many children and parents see each other in new light, sadly this has led to two consequences, positive and negative, positive is enhanced bonding, negative escalation of domestic violence being reported in certain corners of the world. negative consequences ignored, bonding is the most revered outcome and for that we thank God.
You correctly said, “science matters. The only solution to stop the spread of coronavirus disease is by limiting the interaction of individuals and groups” indeed “this fact has brought to light the limitations of modern medical care which is designed around just few diseases. Infectious challenges shine a light on a central concern of public health — without improving the health of populations, no individual is safe”. We need to join hand in ensuring that we all keep healthy protecting each other in the process.
The group that never received attention in the article are the selfless frontline healthcare service providers who have gone out of their way to help the sick at the expense of their regular comfort and social normalcy, these deserve a big pat on their backs as without their dedication and selfless devotion to duty and patient care, mortalities would have been immense given the scope of the infection, our societies need to always remember this group not only in emergencies but at all times, politicians need to lead the way in this quest.
My thought resonate with what Dr APJ Abdul Kalam quoted of the American poetess Annie Johnson Flint (1866 – 1932) in Wings of Fire,
“God had not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God had not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.”
May we all be found growing a stronger dependence on God in times such as we have now and always as there is no better staying alternative I know. Let this outbreak of a physical malady, a virus, awaken our collective conscience at all times.
Very informative article. Thanks sir for your inspiration and guidance. We could see Dr Kalam’s vibrations in your work which is highly motivational for us. Keep showering your blessings,
With high regards
Thank you, sir, for yet another momentous commentary on our lives and times- full of historical, contextual inquiry and wisdom. A tale where Climate Change science-denying president loses all that he promised to his believing vote bank.
Nations and religious boundaries are essentially human-made – and redundant at least to the coronavirus. Much of the present time’s trouble is the creation of our ignorance and considering these institutions as absolute. The time has come for humanity to ask these questions.
The COVID-19 outbreak has revealed strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for China, the United States, and India. The strength of China is that it can run a command economy in a much more efficient manner than messy democracies such as the United States. Thus, when the COVID-19 outbreak occurred China had the capability to fight its “war” against the coronavirus in a more efficient manner than the United States, which has a federal system, in which today only 37 of the 50 states are in a lockdown posture.
President Trump arguably has the legal authority to keep residents of New York, the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States, from driving to Florida, which does not have a lockdown in place. Thus, the virus will continue to spread in the United States until we have a national lockdown. The fact that we do not now have that in the United States is a stark failure of presidential leadership. While China has its strengths, it also has profound weaknesses, as it is a dictatorship run by the Communist Party, with ultimate centralized control exercised by Xi Jinping. This type of dictatorship relies on fear and coercion to rule. Thus, when the virus was initially discovered in Wuhan, the authorities arrested the physicians who discovered the virus and made them write confessions about spreading false rumors. As a result more Chinese died. China’s failure to honestly tell how bad the situation is in Wuhan continues this day, as it still dramatically understates the number who have died and are dying from COVID-19.
India has taken the correct step with its lockdown, a bold step of leadership by Modi, for which he deserves full credit. History will not absolve China for its willingness to expose others in the international community to the coronavirus epidemic. China owes reparations to the international community for cavalier, and criminal, willingness to expose the world to the coronavirus pandemic. I would suggest a $10 trillion reparations payment for starters. The current government in China deserves to be treated as a outlier in the international community. The ultimate irony is that China is now flooding the United States with test kits, face masks, and other protective gear, profiting from its misdeeds. In the world that emerges after the current pandemic, the United States, India, and Europe need to be partners in promoting democratic values that place a high value on the sanctity of human life.
Amidst the general atmosphere of fear, anxiety and massive uncertainty, your blog brings a feeling of calmness and farsightedness. As you have rightly pointed out, the COVID-19 crisis should serve as a speed breaker against people’s mindless pursuit of greed and consumerism. It forces us to pause and reflect on the interdependence of whole humanity. Let us learn to coexist and share resources with others. Let us learn to blend Science with Spiritual Wisdom for good of all. Thank you for sharing your insights with all of us.
Namaskaram and thank you for the article sir. It has perfectly surmised the corona pandemic and how it got a grip upon the world’s largest and most powerful nations
It has not only bent a proud human race but it has landed a very sharp punch on the solar plexus of the powers who felt they were controlling the world
This will pass like the other pandemics you highlighted sir but its aftereffects will scar the mortal race permanently and will remain a harsh lesson that posterity will have to accept and remember
The poetry of Annie Johnson makes a very apt conclusion to the article . Indeed sir, this will awaken the collective conscience of man bringing in him the long pending and most necessary change of consciousnesses to further his evolution. Let me add here the next stanza of this beautiful poem (also given in Wings of Fire):
But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
Excellent perspective. “True security is based on people’s welfare – on a thriving economy, on strong public health and education.” The way stock-markets have crashed, the impermanency of wealth came like a rude slap. I am sure the recalibrated economy after coronavirus is rolled back will have more space for poor and marginalized people.
Thanks Sri Arunji. You clearly have gifted third eye to see deep trends and happenings from a plane which is much higher and purer than the general noise around. And this positivity can be the guiding light the society in testing times.
The title “Without peace in the streets, nobody living in a castle is safe!” itself is so relevant both literally in current corona times and sarcastically from other “normal” times.
Aparigraha, a virtue long cherished, is rarely practiced by most of us in current times. And the maddening race with blindfolded eyes seems to be taking society in random directions. And such times are great reminder to pause, take a step back and re-evaluate ourselves both as individuals and as a society.
To read such a well meaning article in such times is seriously like a breath of fresh air. We live in such an inter connected world that something triggers in one part of the world, the ripples are felt nearly everywhere.
What this situation tells us, is that if a virus can spread because of the inter connectivity, then it means…so can Love, Faith and Peace, which is essentially the message that all noble Souls have given to mankind.
Like rightly pointed in the article, this period is an excellent moment for re-thinking a whole lot of things, right from the individual to the family to the society to the national and eventually to the planetary level.
My Guru param pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj emphasises on Samp, Suhradbhav, Ekta…meaning Unity, brotherhood and oneness amongst all. Thus, when there are continuous ripples of these values in the world, an impact in one place will have its effect in various places. These will help individuals to connect to higher values, which will eventually connect to the Divine within.
This will be the proverbial transition from untruth to Truth.
Jay Swaminarayan 🙂
Respected Sir, Thanks for sharing excellent information. Basically lock down is not maintaining the distance from society but it also says that how we can improve our mental immunity keeping in mind various negative thoughts roaming around us. It’s our brain energy which control our immune system of body.
If we maintain good body health along with calm mind it not only control the microbes but it also flows positive energy necessary for everyone. I hope each person in the world would develop this type of immunity to save human being and live infection free life.
We are aware of concept of “Herd immunity” for Indian subcontinent.It would surely mean protected populace may be neutralizing virus due to the fact that our immune system was either prepared or got activated quickly, thus protecting vulnerable population from infection.
It gives great comfort when you say that the coronavirus is no revenge by nature. The way some people are playing with the precautions confirms that it is more about mistakes made by the people. The Indian government is wisely helping out the poor and the farmers during lockdown and well-off segments of the society are also extending support. Until virus goes off, no one is indeed safe.
Sir, Dr Kalam’s wise words bring instant peace and confidence.
God had not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
I am sure, everything will be all right soon. The way our ordinary people in village battling this calamity is incredible. Nothing is permanent, this too will pass!
Sir, This is sure that these pandemic are way to show nature’s unhappiness towards society. Although world has grown scientifically but these things only happens when humans try to alter the basic structure of nature.
It is believed that Corona vires originated from China in animal market. Now spread across the world. As of now there is no medicine or vaccine for this disease. Only prevention is way forward to break the chain of this disease.
Developed countries like US, UK find it difficult to contain the virus. India has shown some hope to the world by massive lockdown despite having more than billion population. But there are some groups in the society who are not cooperating with government instructions which led to fear in the society. These people need to understand that these virus don’t understand ethnic or religious boundary. My request to everyone ” Stay home stay safe” till next government instruction.
Living in Sheesh Mahal- A house made of glass is as dangerous as a nation not having a best health care system. An invisible vitus has made the mankind so hapless that unprepared are perishing so fast… and also we need to stop miscalculation of value of wealth as it is done in stock markets as it is not the real worth. For survival in any situation…being in our true conscious, rooted to the reality and decisive leadership and actions with vision are a must..indeed India has been blessed at this point of time. A hard lession learnt now is for this life and for future generations. Logic of prosperity lies in taking unprecedented measures to save the mankind and this beautiful world. Viruses like this come and go…human intellect will always succeed.. provided this materialistic attitude at lease now paves way for a better consciousness and new world order for the eternal welfare and wel being if state and the mankind.
All said and done, it looks more of nature’s way to interfere into human affairs and correct the ways of the world. यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम् -Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in unrighteousness, O Arjun, (called Bharat in the shloka) at that time I manifest myself on earth. In the next Shloka Lord tells why he does so. परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम् धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे –
To protect the righteous, to annihilate the wicked, and to reestablish the principles of dharma I appear on this earth, age after age. More than half of the stock market value has already been evaporated. I don’t know how many people currently working from home will be able to go back to their offices for work. I hope and trust God will be kind to them.
Dear Sir, You are right. Nature has shown its power once again and there is no doubt that humans are nothing other than puppets in nature’s hand.
Now, we are seeing nature started claiming the space once again which was taken away by humans. Humans are forced to be inside, like jailed and environment is getting cleaner, pollution has been reduced, air is more pure, ozone layer is getting heal day by day.
How about 4 working days for humans, 1 day for other activities and 2 days complete shut down all over the world. The world leaders should really think about nature’s participation in human civilization and its proper growth for sole purpose of its existence on this earth.
This is the time humans should really think of shaking hands with nature and walk hand in hand.
Let’s see what we (humans) have thought of our future out of this shock. Regards.
Sir, Thank you. Corona disease is disseminated as pandemic now world over. The disease kept us in a distance of one metre. Being a social animal as human, it creates so many problems in varying domains. Science has nothing in archery sofar to reduce the spread. WHO says to go for isolation to stop further spread. On this difficulty, Doctors, Nurses , Scientists and other Medical staffs strive hard to secure diseased citizen’s life. They deserve our acknowledgement. Let us pray for the speedy come back of all routines of our country. God bless.
You have so comprehensively captured relevant nuances of the Coronavirus episode, Sir, it’s difficult to add to what you have written!
As you say, it’s time for reset and reboot — recognising the worthlessness of Wealth and Power.
In these times of transformation, India is being given a generous chance — to go back to her original, dharmic way of living and conducting ourselves. And this is at all levels, whether public, societal or individual.
These 21 days have been our time to rethink and reinvent; also to regain confidence in ourselves, in our roots, and in our present leadership. We shall overcome and we shall emerge stronger!