The mismanagement of the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, by the Indian Govt has led to offers of help from friendly countries. Rather than being an exemplary Govt by setting the right measures in place and utilizing the authority and treasure to recover the country's dire situation, this Govt is busy sweeping the situation under the fancy rug called 'SYSTEM'.
(Before we go any further with this article, I would like to inform the readers that this article is not intended to slander the elected Govt, but highlight the misgiving that are evident and undeniably visible to everyone.)
Progression of Virus
With the end of year 2020, it was believed that the world could reset and start fresh by breaking quarantine and stepping out to work with precautionary measures at hand. However, while life was getting back on track with work place and educational institutions opening their doors, COVID virus was creeping its way into our homes to make its presence visible again.
By the month of March 2021, the second wave of the virus attack had already engulfed enough victims to be acknowledged again. Due to the financial aftermath of the previous full-fledged lockdown, the Govt of majority of the States declined the idea of another lockdown. Rather they hoped to see a significant drop in the scale of daily registered COVID +ve cases by implementing night curfews and fine upon not wearing mask in public. Besides, both the Govt and the general public knew that these measures would barely manage to scrape the last few on the count.
By the beginning of April 2021, many prime cities in India were noting additions in 3-figure number to the already long list of COVID-19 patients. What was a scenario dreaded and faced last year was making its mark again, but what took everyone by surprise was the situation was only going to get far worst due to the lack of delegation by the Prime person in power.
Role of Media
The media, at first ,downplayed the second wave with the elections approaching in multiple states. Once the cup started to overflow and the citizens no longer could be kept in dark, then the media started to cover rising COVID cases. Even through this phase, what is called as the 'Godhi media', attempted to distract the attention of the viewers to issues of lesser significance.
Nonetheless, the few distant voices made by those media platforms who were adamant at showcasing the helpless ground reality, were finally heard. Public outrage increased and the Godhi media along with their controllers of high places had to address the COVID-19 issue in their platforms too.
At first, the Centre blamed the States. But then these States asked all the right questions to the Centre regarding the lack of proper distribution of resources and the Govt making money by selling Oxygen and injections to other counties while creating a shortage in its own country. At this juncture, they could no longer pass the baton to anyone with a mouth, as it would comeback to bite them instead. So they decided to blame it all on the "SYSTEM".
The news channels were using this term aggressively in order to change the perception of the public from the inefficiency of the Govt. If this so-called "SYSTEM" is not the authorities who hold the power to make laws and decisions, then what is is?
Allowing Super Spreader Events
The muddling of water didn't end at creating this fake entity to take the brunt, instead it went a step further by prohibiting the mention of the undeniable deaths of COVID patients. Even a cry for help on a social media platform became a heinous crime punishable with account suspension to having an FIR registered against you.
All this, while the actual perpetrators are walking around freely without a mask while visiting COVID patients admitted in COVID wards. Not to mention, the 8-phase elections held in Bengal and the Kumbh Mela being super spreader events that could have been avoided or dealt with in a manner that was under controlled environment.
Rather, the election commission allowed mass gathering at rallies and also, the thousands who converged at the Kumbh to dip in the same water of river Ganges. Post these events, a sharp spike in the number of COVID cases was observed.
Where will the buck stop?
With the Government turning down aid from the UN and the shortage of Oxygen supply constantly supplementing the death toll, India as a country needs to unite and act as one entity rather than picking favorites. Also, the Govt needs to wake up from its slumber and act dutifully towards its citizens who brought them to power. The combined efforts of both the Govt and the citizens is required in order to see even a slim chance of putting an halt to the spread of the virus and to heal the sick. This country needs to get its feet back on the ground or else we'll be drowning in tears with no one left to console.
(P.S. if anyone has any issues with this article then kindly keep it to yourself as this is my opinion and we live in a free country, or so I would like to believe.)
