TODAY -

During the invasion of Covid-19

Olivia Gurumayum *



I am sure everyone must have well informed about the menacing virus, Coronavirus or Covid-19. The information has been widely circulated, both facts and fakes, on every social networking sites. The information is flooding all over that it has reached to a point where it is difficult to differentiate the facts and fakes.

The ugly invasion of coronavirus put all of us in such a chaotic situation. A large number of people are affected by the vicious virus and huge number of people has demised untimely. Such an unfortunate incident it is, that many people have departed with their near and dear ones forever. Hope it doesn't happen again in the future.

But, at the same time, it is also an eye-opening episode. We are able to see how earth is healing from the damages done by human. Since the existence of human being the planet earth has been modifying into something astounding.

The inventions of technology, how many nations are developing and some developed immensely, the discoveries of many took over the natural process that has the beauty in itself. Making everything available in our figure tips.

Whether we called it bio chemical warfare or the end of human civilisation or a blessing in disguise or refreshing planet earth, one thing was vindicated that humanity is above all. In a war we can at least build a hiding place. But, this one is more than a war. No discrimination, no racism, no religion, no caste, no class but attack any person, invisibly. It has tested the vulnerability of humankind.

Some bravely faced and fought the indiscriminating nature of the virus while many had to surrender their lives despite their courageous fight. It is not an easy battle. For those who have survived from this traumatic incident it must have been the most harrowing period of their lives. Yet, they fought bravely.

Even to those who didn't suffer it is such a drastic turn and twist in life. Who might have thought the whole nation will be lockdown and lock themselves up in their own houses and for how many days? Almost all the countries are affected by it leaving no age and no gender behind.

There have been cases of many deadly pandemic in the past like MERS, SARS, Ebola, H1N1 (Swine flu), influenza, etc. and this time it is Covid19. The viruses just get circulating or emerging at any point of time anywhere.

But, something struck in my mind. Will there be another outbreak of virus in the future? Is it the right time for all of us to accept that there will be another virus pandemic or outbreak in the near future that we should be taken care of as early as possible? Will it be better to train ourselves what needs to be done in pandemic outbreak?

It would be of much help if people are given much education on this kind of pandemic and how to tackle if this kind emerges in the future. Not only people need to understand the pandemic but also the impact of it. Due to the lack of knowledge on it we all have seen how people reacted to the incident leading to many unwanted and unnecessary issues.

The panic buying with long queue, the ignorance maintaining of those said metre in shops and markets, the piling up of things at home, social distancing and above all the blame that one gets from the society out of panic. The worst is how people started treating each other.

Every problem that comes our way has a root cause that many keep ignoring it and impulsively react to it. And, to my surprise or maybe nothing to surprise, some Indians took the impact of the Covid-19, the wicked virus into something else.

Not enough with the danger of covid-19 that an uncle spits on a girl and mainland Indians calling corona to northeast people thinking they are Chinese. Another incident with the International Model Lin Laishram, from Manipur, whose remark on the word Mayang went totally wrong.

Both began with the lack of enlightenment and knowledge of the diversity of their own nation, and, beyond everything, lack of understanding and awareness of society. Racism and discrimination seems to be in the blood of many that even in the crucial period of time hatred never fades.

Although it is human nature to react and being impulsive in situations, but, that does not mean people can react anywhere anytime and to anyone without even trying to understand the situation. To even think of a solution will ultimately take longer time if we do not educate as much people as we can.

In this crucial situation, which problem do we have to solve? Explaining those racist that racism is not the solution and punish them or to focus and help more on those who are struggling against the virus consuming their lungs or to protect ourselves from affecting it?

Racism and discrimination are no less than communicable diseases. It gets transmitted from one uneducated person from another uneducated person who lacks knowledge on mankind and unable to understand the component of a society or a community.

Likewise, if we are unable to understand how the virus is invading into our body and what makes the virus spreading like fire we must follow rules and regulations that have been implemented by the government and follow doctors instructions strictly rather than blaming one another, attacking religion or forwarding irrelevant information creating more confusion amongst us.

On a positive note, we could see many youths taking initiatives and lending their hands to help those in need. There are many ingenious people especially youths; it is high time they improve on their talents and skills.

Many of us can surely pull out our own hidden talents and make ourselves more productive rather than breaking our nerves on hatred and create unnecessary and more menace to the society. We always complain about not having time to do what we want. So, it is time we say Yes, God heard our prayer.

What would be the impact of it and how will we tackle the consequences? Will it be safe for all the malls, markets, shops, theatre etc to open all together at once?

Beginning with panic, rushing of buying essential commodities due to lockdown, rapid increase of affected people, slowing down of economy, many fears that it will hit the employment rate..., etc will surely lead many to psychological issues like depression.

We all have to be mentally prepared for the consequences too. But, as of now, let's all stay strong; eat healthy foods, productive because, like every knot there is a way to untie it, there is surely a way out for all of us from this invasion.

Let us not be selfish. Staying at home and distancing ourselves from one another are the primary steps to fight against it and it is the best thing we can help those in frontline and those affected people bring back home faster.


* Olivia Gurumayum wrote this article for e-pao.net
The writer can be contacted at olivguru(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This article was webcasted on April 06, 2020.



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025