First published on: https://pentoprint.org/thursday-connectors-never-ending-covid-story/

The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc in almost all countries in the world. The UK, USA, Europe, Brazil, among others, have been in crisis, with second waves and, in the recent past, India has been in the news for this as well.

It rose suddenly in early April and has impacted millions of people. However, to put things in perspective, India’s population is more than that of North America, Europe, UK, Australia & New Zealand combined. And, while every case is heart-breaking, the rise in Covid cases is relative to the population and remains lower when compared to other countries in the world.

But because of the sheer number of people in the country, the absolute numbers are really high and this has seen the government trying to address the healthcare infrastructure needs: oxygen, ventilators, hospital beds, vaccinations etc. on a war footing. After almost a month, India is now seeing a downward trend in the number of cases, showing us a glimmer of hope.

For me, hope came alive during the peak of the crisis. I saw the strength with which people stood by each other, irrespective of caste, colour, creed, ideologies, languages and every other thing that has sought to divide us in the past.

Whether it be the:

• Healthcare heroes that have worked and continue to work in exceptional circumstances.
• Ministers that have personally reached out to citizens to provide all assistance possible.
• Police, army, navy, air force, aviation, railways, other government officials and sectors working together to ensure aid arrives as soon as possible.
• Celebrities amplifying the cries for help, or setting up or supporting foundations to raise funds for COVID-19 relief organisations.
• Citizens that contribute to the fundraiser to aid the fight.
• Journalists spreading the messages from the different parts of the country needing support in magnifying voices of the doctors, scientists and specialists that seek to demystify rumours and wrong beliefs.
• Good Samaritans taking it upon themselves to set up relief camps, distribute care packages and/or food.
• Friendly nations stepping up to provide support and help to India – standing in solidarity with it, as India had stood by them in their time of need.

This pandemic has brought us all closer together, weaving a net of shared camaraderie, hopefully staying long after we have defeated this deadly virus.

While the fight still continues, seeing people reaching out to strangers to provide assistance, makes my heart jump for joy, as I find my silver lining in the darkest of the clouds.

On a happier note, India has now vaccinated circa 230m people. While this may be a small percentage of the population, it’s the highest number in the world. Looking at the production of vaccines worldwide, India hopes to vaccinate its population by the end of 2021.

I pray for all those deceased and suffering and I stay in eternal hope that, together, we shall overcome.