12 Aug 2020  |   04:47am IST

PANDEMIC PLIGHT OF THE PEOPLE

PANDEMIC PLIGHT   OF THE PEOPLE

Joseph Lewis D’Silva

As the global struggle with the novel corona virus continues with its mortal march, a litany of woes can be heard from almost everywhere. A few dealers, seeing the people on a panic buying spree due to the lockdown, are taking advantage of the situation by hiking prices, little knowing that it is wicked to take advantage of another’s stress. I have read about COVID-19 patients facing social stigma where people are treating, cured patients, as if they are untouchables.

The stigma causes people to hide the illness or feign other illnesses until it is too critical; it prevents the victim of Covid-19 from approaching the hospital and medical doctors. A person should be guided in his thinking and action by the golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you” for we do not know when we ourselves will get entangled in the web of the same situation.   

I have seen a social media video where a GMC doctor asks the couple to leave the hospital after learning they are from Vasco. O courtesy, why did you fly away and allow rudeness to take your place? I remember what Mahatma Gandhi wrote, “All your scholarship, all your study ... would be in vain, if at the same time you do not  ....attain mastery over your thoughts and actions.” 

Terrible incidents are coming from different places which are absolutely sorrowful and shameful. The body of a corona virus patient in Andhra Pradesh, was shifted to the crematorium from his house in an earthmover. Such a happening comes from the wisest, brightest human beings from this earth which makes one believe that civilization has died. So many people are infected by corona virus and doctors, nurses and others in the hospital fight against the virus despite the risk of catching the infection. They are the real life heroes. We are grateful for their efforts.

I have read about Goan Dr Vikram Talaulikar, who is one of the volunteers, and has participated in the human trials for one of the most awaited vaccines against COVID-19 being developed by the Oxford Vaccine Group. We Goans are proud that a Goan doctor is a part of such a landmark and important study of COVID-19. In a time of crisis, benevolent hands come forward to reach out to the helpless. Good Samaritans are those who believe, that deeds are more important than creeds.

In COVID times, we can’t say what’s going to happen. We must be ready for anything. Most people help us even when they don’t have to. Our deeds can beautify our soul.

The Dalai Lama once said, “Man lives as if he is never going to die; he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future and then dies having never really lived.” Yes, the prime purpose of this life is to help others. We can be like the sun and send warm, encouraging words and smiles to others; then only we will find that we can be more effective in whatever we do.


IDhar UDHAR

Idhar Udhar