Taking Stock of the Situation post COVID-19

By
Gurudatta Somayaji H
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Taking Stock of the Situation post COVID-19

Sometimes, juggling with numbers becomes very obsessive. We are naturally highly inclined to numbers and figures. The media is always delighted in giving its viewers statistics about, well, almost everything. News and reports in print, digital and social media highlight not only the victims of the disease but also the dire impact of the pandemic. But as responsible citizens, we may give preference to positive news items! Here are some facts:

The number of fatalities from COVID-19 is very minimal compared to annual casualties from heart diseases (15,40,000 annually), tuberculosis (450,000), stroke (7,30,000), COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and diarrhoea (7,20,000). Our fear of the deadly outcomes is gripping. It is reported that only 5% of Indian companies are planning to add more staff in the next three months. With technology emerging as the game-changer during the lockdown period as corporate companies moved to virtual meetings, conferences and even upskilling programmes, it seems that the new normal is dynamic and evolving.

According to report based on a critical serological survey conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) across 69 districts of the country, India could be witnessing a much wider spread of coronavirus infections. This survey may help governments in planning their unlocking strategies. The plight of stranded migrant workers is well depicted in the media. The Supreme Court has given directions to Central and State Governments that those workers willing to go to their native places may be sent within 15 days. We must note that criminal cases were lodged against these workers for violating social distancing norms. The SC has also asked the governments to withdraw the cases. A sigh of relief for India’s Forgotten Army!

Mumbai, known as the Maximum City, is telling many tales. Almost a million workers who built Mumbai’s skyline— from the Trump Tower to skyscrapers owned by global firms such as Blackstone Group LP on erstwhile mill land — have fled to their native villages, short of money after a stringent government lockdown brought the economy to a standstill. The National Capital, Delhi might see a staggering 5.5 lakh corona positive cases, according to Deputy CM Manish Sisodia. The CSR funds of various companies have been used for addressing concerns triggered by COVID-19. India Inc’s CSR pandemic spend has crossed Rs. 7.5 thousand crores, according to a report. Around 57% of the total CSR fund has gone to PM CARES fund. IATA (International Air Transport Association) has reported that there is a global loss of $ 84.3 Billion for global airlines due to travel bans and visa restrictions worldwide.

India is facing another challenge from a different front. China is hovering around its borders and is sending signals which create a war-like situation. As both armies are still engaged in aggressive posturing at the LAC (Line of Actual Control), the talks held at the Commanders’ level seemed positive. Challenges are what going to make a nation strong, tough, resilient and a force to reckon with.

Mr. Gurudatta Somayaji is an academician with Post-Graduate degrees in English Literature and Management; Bachelor degree in Education. Mr. Somayaji has 15 years of experience in the areas of teaching, training and public relations. He is an alumnus of MGM College, Udupi and Justice K.S. Hegde Institute of Management, Nitte. At present, he is serving as Principal, Surya Chaitanya Global Academy, Kuthyar- Udupi.

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