Essay on life after lockdown
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India has now been under lockdown for almost a month and it has been quite an experience for all. Whereas the well to do people have relished the opportunity to reconnect within their homes, the underprivileged have really been on the receiving side of one of the strictest lockdowns all over the world. As we near the end of the lockdown, it is prudent to look forward and plan our actions in post-lockdown India.
The government has already started lifting some restrictions from 20th April 2020 and the period till 3rd May 2020 will serve as a good litmus test for how well we will be able to control the spread of the virus once people move out of their houses to restart the engine of the economy. There is still a misplaced feeling amongst many that lockdown would have killed the virus. But it is crucial to understand that lockdown has only pressed a pause button on the spread of the virus so that once we all restart our ‘normal’ lives we are better equipped to handle the challenges of coronavirus.
First, the virus has killed most people above the age of 60 years and those with underlying respiratory problems. The elders at home are especially vulnerable. This means that a weak immune system is a sure shot way to expose ourselves to the wrath of the virus. Therefore, we need to strengthen and fortify our own defences. In this, the age-old practice of pranayama, yoga, Ayurveda has become relevant once again and must be incorporated in our lives. We must ensure we start putting good food in our bodies and live a healthy lifestyle to keep the virus at bay.
Second, there needs to be a country-wide movement to wear masks and social distancing. As studies have repeatedly pointed out, these are our most effective weapons in the fight against the virus. Masks and distancing have to become a new social-norm or else we risk restarting the chain reaction and lose out on all gains accrued due to the lockdown. Every household should know how to make effective masks and it needs to be the new vogue.
Third, the digital economy has to be pushed in a big way. Wherever possible, most of the work needs to be digitized and processed online so that physical interactions are brought to a bare minimum. This can be easily done in the services sector and the government needs to incentivize companies which transform their work cultures to adopt digital mediums and propagate work from home facilities. In other sectors too, such as manufacturing, logistics, transportation, supply chains etc the post lockdown period should see serious initiation towards automation and create a truly digital economy to deal with any future lockdowns due to war or resurfacing of a virus.
Fourth, we have to understand that the government budgets are in for a toss. The revenues have dried up and the expenses have increased substantially. This means that the people at the bottom of the economic pyramid are vulnerable as the government will find it difficult to sustain doling out benefits in the long run. This means that well to do in societies have to rise and handhold the weaker section so that the blow of the virus is lessened to a certain extent. This would go a long way in creating a harmonious society post-lockdown.
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