Life in the Times of Global Crisis – COVID-19
Author: Dr. K.S.Kang
Perhaps
it is for the first time in my life of a little more than half a century that I
had seen crisis of such epic proportions in which the whole humanity is at
stake. I remember such curfews and blackouts were seen during the military
emergencies of 1962,1965 & 1971. In 1962 I was just a few months old when
the conflict with China
begin and in !965 Indo-Pak struggle I was only three years old and hence too
young to remember anything clearly. However, I had distinct clear memories of
1971 Indo-Pak conflict that led to the creation of new nation Bangladesh . At
that time my father was working at Sainik (Military) School at the place
Chittorgarh in the state of Rajasthan in India . As it was a residential
school so my father lived with my mother, my sister and me in the accommodation
allotted in the precincts of the school that was away from the main town. It
was instructed that trenches were to be dig in front of every house(hostel) so
as to save the inmates from the probable air raid by enemy planes though this
town was situated nearly 500 kms away from the international boarder. Trenches
were of Z-shape of English alphabet so that even if the bomb dropped into the
trench and exploded it would cause harm to the people hiding in that arm of the
trench only and not the entire people hiding in that trench. Every one was
expected to come out of the houses as soon as the hooter placed on the roof of
the mess and academic block started blaring and rush to the nearest trench in
order to save oneself from the air raid of the enemy. But nothing of that sort
happened at that time because by the time trenches were ready conflict that
lasted for nearly two weeks, ended with the creation of new nation Bangladesh
and surrender of enemy troops. Both the sides did not have resources and
stamina for a face –off of more than two weeks. Due to the fact that we
outnumbered the enemy by a large margin the victory fell on us.
Today we are encountering another
Crisis that is global in nature. Though the two world wars of the twentieth
century were nothing less than a global crisis as it affected the entire
humanity. But the similarity between these two great wars and the current
crisis ends here that both of them were global in nature not only affecting
just one part or one country of the country but the entire world posing danger
to the existence of humanity on this beautiful planet. The major difference
between these two great wars and the present crisis is that in great wars one
part of the world was fighting against the others or to be more specific Axis
powers was fighting against the Allied forces. But in this war entire humanity
is affected and it is fighting against an invisible enemy-Corona virus whose
symptoms remain hidden till it becomes lethal for the infected person. Secondly
the fact that it is airborne and can survive in air for about 8 house makes it
more dangerous, lethal and powerful. The need of the hour for the humanity of
the entire world is to follow the maxim “
Prevention is better than cure “. Though it has been claimed by some
that it can be cured by Chloroquine- drug used in curing malaria- yet it would
take some time before an effective vaccine against it could come into
existence. This malady is particularly more dangerous to people with asthma,
diabetes and old people and of course children who are likely to become its
victims. The only mantra visible to protect oneself from this disease it to follow the mantra of social distancing
and self isolation though it may have some problems. Every body must
cooperate with the administration by following the rules of curfews and
lockouts in word and spirit so as to save ourselves from this invincible foe.
By following these rules sincerely we will not only help in containing this
lethal virus but also save our neighbours, friends, relatives and thus provide
invaluable service to society, nation and humanity.
Heroes in this fight against the
invisible enemy are doctors, para medical staff, nurses and volunteers who are
looking after the patients even at the cost of their personal safety and life.
No words of praise can thank them. A great salute to these people who are
providing selfless service around the clock in this struggle against the common
foe of human race. A number of people have laid down their lives in the fight
against the disease. Our true tribute to
these martyrs of human race would be to help in the elimination and containment
of this deadly virus by following the rules of social distancing and isolation
honestly and sincerely. It is hoped that with combined and sincere efforts
human race will succeed in overcoming this foe too like other enemies of the
past in the history and thus life will continue and progress on this beautiful
planet.
Foe will be
vanquished
With united
and sincere efforts
Humanity
will triumph
Life will
win and continue
Keep faith, keep
faith , keep faith
In the
power of humanity
The best
creation of almighty
Will
overcome this mighty enemy
At last,
at last, at last.
