Independence Day Celebration during Covid-19 Pandemic

-- Eng. Joseph Panicker, Former Chairman of IEI, Kuwait Chapter

Sunday, August 9, 2020

On the occasion of the 74th anniversary of Indian Independence day which falls on 15th August every year, I extend my warm greetings to all Indians and at the same time pay tribute and remember all the freedom fighters who have contributed and fought for the independence of India and the soldiers who guard our country till today from all external aggressions.

During this celebration, our country is also in a war with Covid-19, the new Corona virus. This war is more intense since the enemy is invisible, having capability to spread fast, and many a times it turns out to be deadly for humans.

In order to win the war of Covid-19 epidemic, we need to maintain social distance, wear masks, follow proper sanitization, protect vulnerable persons and avoid large congregation of people. This will be our lifestyle until we find a vaccine. During Covid time, Technology is used widespread in its best possible manner in fields like communication, medical sector, education sector, online shopping of groceries and commodities, banking etc. Our Independence Day celebration too will become technology based which is befitting the occasion. These events could be webcasted in order to reach out people who are not able to participate. The usual pomp and splendor we used to witness in the Independence Day celebrations of the previous years will be vanished and instead we might listen to songs by selected groups and see selected number of dignitaries online. As we heard in the media, the celebration will be limited to unfurling of the national flag by Prime Minister and his speech at the Red Fort in Delhi. The ceremony at Red Fort will consist of the presentation of a Guard of Honour by the Armed Forces accompanied by playing of the National Anthem and firing of 21-gun shots.

Around the world, technical start-ups are pushing leading-edge innovations. Many use artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing to help organizations to process big data, giving new insights to help fight the virus. Robots are deployed to disinfect hospitals, drones are used to deliver medical supplies and AI is being used to spot and scan infections. Robots are delivering meals and medication to patients. Authorities are using cell phones and satellite technology for tracking potential carriers.

Grocery stores started receiving digital orders and provide delivery services to cope with the situation. Cashless transactions are used to remove the need of any physical exchange of cash or cheques, providing an extra layer of protection for a vulnerable person.

Who are the new heroes of India?

The real heroes are Covid-19 front line warriors like doctors, health workers, para medical staffs and sanitation workers for their noble services in fight against Corona virus and making India Covid-19 free. Covid warriors also include policy makers, Police and para military forces, people working in production and distribution of electricity and water, food and supply chain volunteers, Kudumbashree etc. (Kudumbashree Mission is the poverty eradication and women empowerment program implemented by the State Poverty Eradication Mission (SPEM) of the Government of Kerala.)

India's armed forces have always kept the nation safe. Even in times of disasters, they are out there helping people. Our Prime Minister, on Sunday, 26 July 2020, paid tributes to armed forces to mark the 21st anniversary of India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil war, saying their valor continues to inspire generations. Our army has once again proved their bravery and patriotism towards our nation during the recent conflict with China in Galwan Valley in the Ladakh region.
There are many unsung heroes around us, out of the list the foremost one is our farmers without whom grain and daily supply of milk cannot be distributed to people and food camps. These men and women have kept supplies going, even without being designated as Frontline Corona Warriors. Millions are hungry due to lack of work and with no money to sow the next crop, an enormous food crisis will emerge.

Also note that there are governments and NGOs who organize feeds for stray animals. For example, Kerala is now feeding stray animals and monkeys at few temples in the state.

Lessons Learned:-Crucial investments required

We pride ourselves being the world’s fifth largest economy and largest democracy. It often takes a crisis to bring about fundamental change. The Covid-19 epidemic have underlined our deficiency, failures and weaknesses. We have witnessed thousands of migrant workers and their families, perplexed by the situation left by foot to reach their home village, the safest haven they could think off. We have witnessed the surfacing of our frightful practices of age-old impression of caste, class and creed. There are still too many inequalities in our society which has to be addressed by the policy makers and government. Crucial investments are needed to uplift millions of our people who live in poverty.

To name a few other sectors where government should invest heavily are in the Health sector, Education sector, the eradication of poverty and woman empowerment etc.
India on the global stage

Depending on how we emerge from the Covid-19 crisis will determine India’s role in the post pandemic world order. India being a universe in itself and home to one-sixth of humanity, we cannot be part of the problem, we have to be part of the solution in the world arena. We have to be stronger and united as a nation and we will have to work towards an inclusive India that holds all of us regardless of caste, class or creed. India needs to be part of international efforts to deal with the Covid-19 crisis - multilaterally, regionally or bilaterally.

?Supply of medicines

We are also major producers of medicine to other countries. It is also important to note that we are participating in international efforts towards finding a vaccine and should ramp up capacities to produce it in the quantities needed, both for our own people and for the world.

?Food security

We should be able to sustain in food production. We should utilize every inch of the land for producing food for ourselves and surplus to export to other countries. Think of a worst case scenario of food crisis due to whatever reason, for e.g. failure of Monsoon. In such a case we need to import food which will drain our money reserve. Even though there was panic buying during Covid-19, there was no shortage of food stuffs. The credit for this partly goes to the government’s food grain procurement and distribution system.

Way forward

India’s success in many other fields including the space mission has secured a respected place among nations. India’s vision is to set her own Space Station in space as well as to proceed with ‘Aditya mission’ to send a satellite to study the Sun and ‘Venusian mission’ to send an Orbiter to study Venus etc. India is poised for a giant leap from the rank of a Developing Country to a Developed Country which also will ultimately eliminate the suffering of our poor citizens.

The initiative of 'Aatma Nirbhar Bharat' is a fresh push to the theme of self-reliant India and would be appropriate if the theme is suitably spread and publicized among the people. The mantra is ‘Make in India for India and the World’.

The pandemic has brought us to an inflection point. How we deal with it now will determine our place in the future world order. India needs to be a global partner in leading the world to a next level in encountering global warming, fight against Pandemics like Covid-19, eradication of poverty, space exploration, education to all etc. as part of international efforts.

Yes, the world will have changed by the time the crisis recedes, but we, Indians, will continue to be what we have always been — Unity in Diversity.

Jai Hind

Eng. Joseph Panicker, Former Chairman of IEI, Kuwait Chapter