Solidarity and Alacrity: Approaches to see us through the crisis

We, in India, are, like many other parts of the world, trying to break this alarmingly speedy transmission through national lockdown, social distancing and personal hygiene measures. Adherence to these norms of social behaviour has yielded results. The number of cases, fatalities have shown a decline wherever there has been greater compliance. Conversely, there has been a surge wherever there was laxity and violation of preventive measures.

The large congregation in Nizamuddin brought this unpleasant reality to our national attention in a dramatic fashion. We should understand this merely illustrates what can happen if we ignore the warning and slip into denial mode. We should not let latent prejudices surface resulting in an unwarranted finger pointing at any community. The entire community should not be blamed or viewed as a culprit because of the negligence of a few groups and individuals.

This is a massive disruption in our daily lives. Our socio-cultural life is enriched by festivals and events in which we mingle with each other. Social distancing is antithetical to the spirit of bonhomie. But, we have opted for this path as it is the only known path of containing the spread of this virus. We have to live with a situation where we cannot visit places of worship on festival days. We have to avoid congregations and social gatherings for some time to come. We have to adopt a new, less than satisfying, way of life till we win this battle.

In the recent past, another facet of stigmatisation is the disturbing trend of sporadic attacks on medical personnel, especially those who are fighting on the frontlines and braving the risk of getting infected. There are instances of doctors, nurses, paramedics and social workers being stigmatised and denied housing facilities and viewed with suspicion as carriers of the virus.

This is truly deplorable, especially in a country that has traditionally had a highly reverential attitude towards doctors. The Government of India has amended the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 and has made attacks against health professionals a cognizable, non-bailable offence and carrying imprisonment terms up to seven years. Hopefully, this will curb further violence against health professionals. Ignorance and prejudice, fear and suspicion should be overcome through authentic, timely flow of information and a new societal norm based on our ancient values must be restored.

I am happy that the people at large are adhering to the guidelines. All religious leaders are moving away from dogmatic positions and are providing the guidance required to regulate the modes of worship in the light of the present circumstances. Stigma and dogma are impediments that need to be removed. A more flexible, adaptable attitude to modify our social behaviour will enable us to effectively continue our war on corona. We can win only if we act with wisdom, alacrity and dispassionate understanding of the preventive actions. I do hope, as we begin the sacred month of Ramzan, we shall all stay at home and pray for our families and fellow beings and hope that we shall overcome this challenge soon.

I am hopeful that we shall stand united with a common understanding of the real challenge ahead and the collective commitment to act with wisdom to overcome the challenge. Let not differences among political parties come in the way of fighting this pandemic in India at any level. Solidarity and alacrity at all levels can help us better navigate the multi-dimensional crisis.