West Bengal’s total Covid cases that have crossed three lac five thousand cases cushioned by two lacs sixty-five thousand recoveries as well. What cannot be missed is the 31500 active cases and 5800 deaths.
The State Government and the expert panel of doctors tirelessly debate over the causes, explaining the complexities of Covid. The citizens of the State followed all whatever the Government had asked them, even if they were whimsical at times. Lockdowns began well, and people confined at homes, the discipline which gave way to fatigue and mental pressure. The scenes of PPE clad men with tongs made lives worrisome, frustrated and filled with a morbid fear.
People hurriedly came out of their confinement with a vengeance, no sooner the lockdown was relaxed. They were a harried lot, many with no jobs, with no money to spend and sustaining on the Government aided rations. The spine of the common was bent if not broken, for no fault of anybody. The invisible virus brought about a change, relegating humanity back to medieval times. If caste and untouchability were forgotten for a few days, the Covid affected patients became pariahs and were ostracized or shunned.
Much was due to lack of education over Covid. But who could have done that? The whole world was suffering and learning only by trial and error. The World Health Organization was like a circus, rescinding their recommendations as often and putting the world in confusion. The American retribution of WHO did not improve the latter’s image a bit. I watch with anguish today that most European nations have resumed their lockdowns, following a spurt in Covid infections.
Back home, the annual great Durga Puja festival is a week away. In my opinion, the State should have cancelled the celebration, similar to what Maharashtra did with Ganesha celebrations. West Bengal, besides, went on with the distribution of a cash subsidy of Rs.50000/- to almost 35000 Puja Committees. The shopping spree does not evidence any change in people’s mood, who seems to be preparing to descend in Kolkata, like in previous years.
The observance of physical distancing and wearing masks are not followed by many, and the police force suffers from lack of men, or willpower to strictly enforce the law. Save a longish and irreprehensible Covid warning on the cell phones, there seems nothing as for as educating the masses are concerned. The Government is speedily adding beds, ICUs, ventilators expecting a spurt in the infections after the Pujas. A group of doctors have also warned of severe consequences due to crowding during the forthcoming festivities.
It seems that our State has resigned to fate and cannot forsake the festivities for a few additional deaths, which are mere statistics and will be forgotten soon.
Ma, save this mati and manush!
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide Voix
