LOCKDOWN - WHAT NEXT?

The Lockdown came suddenly, and it took time for us to adopt being at home and under a curfew.  The Daily Labours, Workers, Employers, Entrepreneurs, Industrialists, Banks, the Government, and the Economy; everyone was forced to embrace the Lockdown.  The impact varied from segment to segment.  It was a livelihood issue for some.  For some, it was a question mark on the Continuance of their Job.   It was the worry of Business Prospects for Businessmen.  So, everyone had something or other to think about, to worry about – some less and some more.  

 

The Lockdown 1 was more fun for the middle class.  When the Lockdown 2 came in, the nerves were settled, and we could see some of them not seemed to be bothered about the Lockdown and were flouting the rules.  With numbers going up and Lockdown 3 in place, it is quite natural that the impatience turns into frustration.  What is in store next?  Will we have Lockdown 4?  With relaxations already in place, it is very unlikely a complete nationwide shutdown or curfew is brought back.  It will be a catastrophe for the Economy.

 

The perspective we have of the World; living within the 4 walls during these past 6 weeks is highly influenced by Social Media and News Media.  The former is a launching pad for rumors and the later the launching pad for creating opinions.  The real understanding of the world we live in will be known only when we step out of our Homes and into the streets.  One needs to be conscious of certain important things and start thinking of ways to mitigate them.

 

The current situation is neither over nor under full control.  It is incorrect to believe that things are normal.  The COVID-19 virus is not going to vanish.  The coronavirus is here to stay for few years and will be defeated only when everyone develops resistance to it.  Just like how other Viruses or diseases were/are handled.  According to World Malaria Report, over half of India’s population was at risk of contracting malaria in 2016.  So, there is no need to panic.  Too much fear is unnecessary.  But all precautions need to be taken always, at the least till a Vaccine or Medication is invented.

 

It is highly likely that most of us may get inflicted with this Virus.  It is not a disgrace or dishonor or a shame if one gets inflicted with the Virus.  Such a stigma or hatred should not be developed.  If one gets inflicted, the important thing is to follow the medical instructions and stay isolated and stay put at one place.   It is not a sin if one is contracted with this Virus.  One needs to monitor the Mortality rate to know how serious the situation is.  At the time of writing this report, the mortality rate due to COVID-19, across the world is 6.90%, across India is 3.30% and less than 1% in Tamil Nadu.  

 

The Safety of the Jobs will be clear only when the Economy opens fully, unless you are in a company which is very badly hit by the lockdown and is beyond restructuring by the owners.  So, expect some possible setbacks in the work front.  Expect more pressure from the Superiors to perform.  Plan now to see how the performance can be enhanced.

 

The ability to sit for longer hours, the focus and concentration required during regular work, should be sharpened.  These would have surely impacted due to this long lockdown.

 

Expect Social Life to be affected for atleast the next 6 months.  Travels of all kinds would also be affected.  More thought needs to be given if one wishes to attend Weddings, Parties, Gatherings and even visit Places of Worship.

 

We went into this Lockdown; unexpected and unplanned.  We cannot do the same when we come out of the Lockdown.   Mental, Physical, Emotional and Psychological changes need to be made before we start to re-enter into the real world – the street economy.  

 

Reassess your situation, plan your re-entry and till such time, enjoy the remaining few days of lockdown with your family, the fullest – An opportunity which is unlikely to happen ever again in our life.

 

(The above article was written as an Editorial for publication in May 2020 issue of PRINCE’S VOICE – A Community eMagazine)

CORONA - ROCONA !!!

We have been subjected to staying at home under a Lock Down by the Government, a move that could change the game in India’s fight against Coronavirus.

 

We have had several Virus outbreaks in the past.  But we did not have access to the information related to its Intensity and the Casualty.  The Communication System prevalent earlier were different.  It was not so dynamic and accessible like it is today.  

 

The Social Media is getting stronger and powerful, day-by-day, in creating and influencing opinions.  They are fast becoming a deadly Virus, which has the capacity to carry untrue and unverified information and serve it as the only Truth.  The number of people affected by Dengue Virus last year in Tamil Nadu was more than 3,000, out of which more than 550 of them were from Chennai.  But these numbers were spread across 12 months.  A long period for these Social Medias to keep a topic alive and that too with intensity.  Probably, that may be one reason for not carrying that many messages about Dengu atleast in Tamil Nadu.

 

In today’s world, the meaning of the word Truth has changed.  Truth has become something which is widely believed to be correct.  This is where Social Media helps in making believe the People that the message transmitted is Correct by letting it go Viral.  Truth has also become anything that is appearing in News Paper, Web Site and Social Media.  

 

When there is fear in the minds of the people, we as individuals need to be more responsible in creating calmness and not indulge in any act that might flame the fear further.  The Social Media is full of news, created and designed to appear as truth.  Many of us receive several messages, mostly forwarded, about Do’s, Don’ts, remedies, suggestions, home medicines, etc.  All are unverified.  We tend to open it and then forward it immediately to others.  All with a curiosity of being the first to share with near and dear.

 

More often, we carry these messages forward, as we feel we have got a good information and want to send it to our friends in the Social Media for their benefit.  A perfect platform to spread falsehood.  It is easy for people to be misguided.  There are plenty of Myths floating around.  We need to act responsibly and stop forwarding any news related to this Virus unless it is verified to be true.

 

During any natural calamity and any outbreak, the best principle to follow is “to stay put where you are safe”.  This is precisely what the Government has prescribed to us.  Some people are frustrated and feel that it is okay to go out because the number of affected people is not that much.  What they fail to understand is that the numbers are low only because we are in lock down.  Had we been going out like before, the number of people inflicted with Coronavirus would have been much higher.

 

The challenge for the Government and the people is going to be even more difficult, whenever the Lock Down is to be cancelled.  More cooperation from the Public is required then. The Lock Down period may be extended beyond 14th of April or may be called off in full or in Part.  Much depends on how the Coronavirus has spread in India.

 

Irrespective of the Government’s decision, we need to be more careful and continue with the Social Distancing and maintaining cleanliness by washing our hands regularly.  These types of Imported Virus have a big ego, they don’t come to you unless you go and call them.  Everything is in our hands now, literally.  We can make the difference.

 

Your cooperation and safety are important for your health and that of your near and dear.  Residents must follow the rules, regulations and restrictions, framed by the Government, Local Bodies and RWA.  These are framed and implemented for the safety of the Residents.  

 

Remember! ONE BAD APPLE SPOILS THE WHOLE BUNCH

(The above article was written as an Editorial for publication in Apr. 2020 issue of PRINCE’S VOICE – A Community eMagazine)

ONE TWO KA FOUR - FOUR TWO KA WON !!!

The 14TH of July 2019, an important date in the Cricketing History of England and New Zealand.  Neither of them has won a Cricket World Cup before.  England had reached the Finals in 1979, 1987 and in 1992 prior to this.  Despite being the second team to have participated in more World Cup finals, England never Won the World Cup before. New Zealand’s only Final was in the previous World Cup in 2015, which they lost to Australia.  Cricket was eager to welcome a New Winner.  

 

New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first.  The Kiwis scored 241 for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 50 Overs.  Chasing a Par Score, England were bowled out for 241 exactly in 50 Overs.  The fortunes switched frequently like a pendulum, between New Zealand and England.  The lady luck was indecisive in her patronage.  Nothing more explicit than the Last Over of the England innings.  

 

Needing 15 of the last over bowled by Boult, New Zealand managed to get through 2 dot balls at the start of the Over to make it 15 of 4 balls. Match truly in favour of New Zealand. Ben Stokes then carved out a Six of the 3rd ball to bring the match even.  This brought required runs to 9 of 3 Balls.  This is when the Lady luck first showered her blessings on England.  The ‘Bat of God’ did the rest.  A full toss from Boult was hit to deep midwicket.  Guptill attacks the ball and attempts a direct hit but the Bat of the Diving Stokes deflected the Ball while he was trying to save himself from being run-out.  The deflection sent the ball away to the boundary.  With utter confusion, Kumar Dharmasena awarded 6 runs to England, instead of 5.  England managed to manufacture a Tie in the remaining balls.  

 

Under the earlier ODI rules, New Zealand would have been declared the Winners as they lost only 8 wickets.  The new ODI era brought in the Super over concept.  As destiny would play out, the Super over also ended up in a Tie.  As per the rules of the World Cup 2019, the match was awarded to England as they scored the maximum number of Boundaries.  How ridiculous?  

 

Everyone knew the rules but never thought it would play an important role, that too in deciding the Champion.  The whole world was shocked when the reality creeped in.  A bowl-out would have been a better option after the tied Super Over.  This would have brought in some consolation to the losing side.  So many questions are raised now on the Rules and the wrong decision made by Kumar Dharmasena.    

 

Many of the questions are valid but two points need to be remembered always.  Firstly, this rule was not invented on that day or was manipulated to declare the Winner.  It was there from the beginning of the World Cup.  Secondly, No one realized that error of Kumara Dharmasena until Simon Taufel brought to the notice, much later.  Had they realized the mistake even at the end of the 50th Over, they could have readjusted the Score and awarded the match to New Zealand.   

 

Destiny had already taken side with England and Lady Luck married them that day.  It was inevitable that England won the World Cup.  It was the moment they have been waiting for.  The men who took the Game to a Global Audience had to wait for a long time to be crowned.  End of it all.  England would have been happier if they had won it without any controversies and New Zealand would have felt less awful if they had really lost it.  The Game of Cricket lost that day.

 

(The above article was written as an Editorial for publication in Aug. 2019 issue of PRINCE’S VOICE – A Community eMagazine)

VEHICLES - THE TICKING 'TIME-BOMB'

The number of Vehicles running in the Roads of India are increasing day by day.  The affordable schemes have made it possible for many people to live their dream of owning a vehicle.  Once, a status symbol, owning a vehicle has now become a necessity.  The fully loaded public transport and the time it takes to snail through its route to reach its destination has forced many commuters to purchase their own Vehicle to save travel time.

 

Owning a vehicle also gives them the flexibility to venture out with their family at their own convenience.  The Automobile industry employs lot of people and it augurs well for a nation that is looking for more employment opportunity for her citizens.  The Profit that these companies earn and the returns it gives to the Investors makes them a top pick in the Stock Market.  

 

This might sound as a great achievement reflecting the growth of the Indian Economy.  But the inconvenience it causes and impact of it will be known in the very near future. 

 

Increased Vehicle sales leads to increased dependency on Imported Crude adding pressure on Export-Import balance and the Currency.  Increased Vehicle sales brings in more vehicles on the already congested roads.  Increased Vehicle also increases the pollution levels in the atmosphere.  To add to this is the current trend of owning more than more than one Vehicle.  There seem to be no end to this.  

 

It would be wise to follow the Singapore Model to tackle this issue.  The Government should consider levying higher tax on Vehicles.  This will discourage people from buying new Vehicles.  It is true that the public transport system is not in good health.  But it is well and truly compensated by the flood of Call Taxis running across the roads of India.  

 

For the existing vehicles on Road, two things should be considered by the Authorities.  The first thing is to charge a usage fee payable annually, per vehicle.  These amounts are to be used for improving the infrastructure.  The second thing is to ban the use of Vehicles of age, say may be 15 years.  This would take most of the Vehicles off the road immediately.

 

The transition might be difficult but something that is achievable.  There will be a loss to Owners of vehicles that are more than 15 years of age.  The Government can force the Vehicle Owners to promote a buyback offer or offer tax rebate for those who are forced to surrender their vehicles at the time of transition or give cash compensation to the Owners at present market value.  All these might be one-time burden on the exchequer but will make the roads more commutable.

 

If the number of new Vehicles keep increasing in the present rate, very soon we will reach the saturation point.  It will be a catastrophe.  This is the worst that we could leave for our future generation.  The time bomb is already ticking.  It is time something sensible is done to control this.

 

(The above article was written as an Editorial for publication in Jul. 2019 issue of PRINCE'S VOICE - A Community eMagazine.)

ACCEPT NEW INDIA

The great Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with his pragmatic diplomacy and his brilliant secretary V.P. Menon integrated 562 Princely States.  One by one States were formed to keep the Nation intact. 

Modern-day India owes an immeasurable debt of gratitude to Sardar Patel and his team for preventing the Balkanisation of the then newly-independent country.  One needs to understand the environment prevailing at that point of time to understand their contribution and appreciate their Vision, Tact and Diplomacy.

Along with Independence, India also inherited several besetting problems.  The communal riots, partition, refugee crisis, depleting resources, ill-equipped colonial machinery, etc.  It is under these circumstances the trick was pulled off.

The demarcation of States in most cases were based on linguistic lines.  This suited the situation, and everything was smooth for almost 4 decades.  The suggestion of having Hindi as the national language was not liked by Tamil Nadu and the first major revolt based on language, erupted.  This followed by protests and riots against Tamil Migrants who had moved to Mumbai in search of greener pastures.  Since then, several attempts have been made by various States in protecting the native of their states, under one pretext or other. 

Now, in our 72nd year, we see signs of new problems, that could affect the very fabric of India.  In the name of politics, the people of this country are polarised based on language. In the recent past we have seen politicians demanding reservations for people from their State in Jobs. 

From Religion to Caste and now to Language, attempts are made to create a divide.  There can be no definition of a Tamilian or Kannadiga or Maharashtrian.  Does staying in a state for more years qualify to be termed as a Native?  Does knowing the language qualify someone to be termed as a Native of a State that speaks the same language?  If these are the guidelines, nativity cannot be determined for most of the people living in Central and Northern Indian where Hindi is widely spoken.

The recent spike in number of people moving out of Bihar, UP and Bengal in search of better jobs to other states, has once again brought the migration issue in the limelight.   This phenomenon is likely to increase in the coming years.  Migration from one state to another in search of better job opportunities and living is going to increase.  This is a natural phenomenon. 

Migrating to another Country in search of Jobs is accepted by all and is seen with Pride.  But witnessing migrants from other states is seen with descent. This should not be encouraged. 

India is One.  All Indians have rights to work and live anywhere in India.  This is the true fabric of India.  How would India look if few states are economically healthy and the others suffer.  Living together as Indians in our primary responsibility to make our Nation Stronger and United.  This is also a way of exhibiting our patriotism.

One for All and All for one.  If we cannot live together as one Indian Family, the Vasudhaiva Kudumbakam will always remain only as a distant dream.

 

(The above article was written as an Editorial for publication in May 2019 issue of PRINCE'S VOICE - my Community eMagazine.)