A Year Of Resilience

Context: Successful management of COVID-19 Pandemic by India and the way to deal with a pandemic in future.

Factors that helped in the successful management of COVID-19 Pandemic by India

• Nationwide lockdown: It helped cut the chain of transmission, saving thousands of lives across the country.
• Indefatigable efforts of frontline COVID warriors: Doctors, para-medical staff, health and sanitation workers, ASHA workers and scientists helped to save precious lives.
• Unity in fighting the pandemic: All states and the leaders of political parties rose above all differences to serve the people in this unprecedented global health crisis.
• Role played by sectors of the economy:
  • Role of agriculture: India’s agriculture and allied activities grew at 3.4% during 2020-21.
  • Manufacturers upheld the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat: They worked at breakneck speed to meet the need for life-saving supplies like sanitisers, facial masks etc.
• Stellar role played by media: in educating, informing and enlightening people by working on a 24×7 basis to keep the country updated on emerging developments with regard to COVID-19.
• Spirit of collaboration with other countries: This collective vision and effort, marked by resilience and transparency, helped us to achieve among the lowest fatality rates in the world.

Way forward: for dealing with a pandemic in future.

• Adopt a multi-pronged and long-term strategy: in developing pandemic responses on a global scale through shared resources.
• People should stay active physically and mentally: to
  • Reduce stress level: E.g. through Yoga and meditation.
  • Boost immunity: E.g. by moving towards a nutritious, balanced diet.
• Don’t lower the guard: We must continue to ad- here to the essential practices of washing hands frequently, maintaining social distancing, wearing face masks and avoiding crowds and gatherings.
  • Awareness, alertness and prompt action will help minimise the threat posed by the virus and save lives as we move forward into the challenges of a post-COVID world.