INDIA, DEFEAT CORONA

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INDIA, DEFEAT CORONA

Author:

Lakshminarayana K

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Disclaimer

"My e –book 'INDIA, DEFEAT CORONA' is a fictional novel. Names of persons (except a few, which are mentioned then and there), organizations, businesses, characters, incidents, places and events are fictional and a product of the imagination of the author. Any resemblance to actual events or places or persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental. Any reference to places, businesses, locations and organizations while real, are used in a way that is purely fictional, and have no resemblance to any existing organization, location etc., and any use thereof is not intended to harm, disrespect, defame or derogate any third party.

The content of this book is intended to inform, entertain and provoke your thinking. If you have underlying health problems or any specific health needs that may require medical supervision or have any doubts about the information contained in this book, you should contact a qualified medical professional.

Author of this book is a common man like most of you. Moreover, he is a retired senior citizen. He is not competent to give advice on any technical, medical, banking or legal issues etc. In case of such a need, please contact competent professionals, and be guided accordingly.

My e-book

INDIA, DEFEAT CORONA

Is dedicate to

Our Corona Warriors

Table of Contents

Forward

Introductory Note

Preface

1. Let's Light the Lamp

2. Dignity in Death

3. Bicycle Trip

4. Missing Trains

5. Thankful Migrant Workers

6. Was Corona Man-made?

7. Corona Warriors

8. Florence Nightingale

9. Saving Jobs

10. Pandemics Vs Economics

11. Deadlier Than Corona!

12. Meddling with Nature

13. Slums Are Not Unmanageable

14. Victory Over Corona

Bibliography

About the Author

Forward

Dr. Girish H. C., M. D.(Paed), DABPCC(USA), CCST (UK)

For the last six months, the world is facing an unprecedented event. The last such event in the history was the Spanish flu which happened more than a century ago. Being once in a century event, there are hardly very few people alive today who have witnessed this event first hand. There are very few documented personal account of the Spanish flu for us to read about.

This Covid-19 pandemic has affected every individual on this planet in some way or the other. No country or No individual is spared. Though there are mostly negative effects from this pandemic, there are some oases of heartwarming stories amidst all the gloom. There is dissemination of knowledge and ignorance in equal measure all around thanks to the easily available platform of social media. There is genuine concern and at the same time some utter disregard shown to the well-being of our fellow citizens. There is swift action and undue inaction in equal measures from the authorities at various point of time in this time of crisis. There are stories of despair and tales of triumph while fighting this deadly virus.

The author being a senior citizen with worldly experience has done well to pen down his observations of the world around us of last 6 months. It is a bird's-eye view of the events happening around us in simple readable format. It is quite relatable to each individual. Some of the descriptions may be author's perceptions and one may prefer to agree or disagree; but that is how this Corona pandemic has been, where there are contradictions on everything we did or did not do as an individual or as a community or as a country. This e-book reflects on those contradictions as well. Author has done well to keep the narration lively and relatable to the common man.

I wish the author all the very best & success with his endeavour!

Dr. Girish H C M D( Paed), DABPCC(USA), CCST (UK)

Consultant Paediatrician & Paediatric Intensivist

Vikram Hospital

Bangalore

Introductory Note

Mr. Subramani K

All India General Secretary

Canara Bank Officers' Organization

(affiliated to NOBO & BMS)

28th Jul 2020

Friends, at the outset I am happy to write an introductory note on the e-book "INDIA, DEFEAT CORONA.' In its fight against the outbreak of Covid-19, our country has taken several steps to contain the pandemic. Well, I want to record my appreciation on this book written by Mr. Lakshminarayana K. I know him, as my good friend, for more than two decades. Like me, he was also a banker, working in Indian Bank for about 25 years. He has served the bank, all across the country. He was also a 'faculty member' in Indian Bank Training System, for about six long years. After resigning from Indian Bank during 2001, he became a full time trainer in the banking industry, serving in NIIT and Manipal Academy of Banking. In fact, his total length of service in the banking industry as a full-time trainer, runs to more than 26 years! He is a specialist in imparting 'soft skills training' to all age groups. I know he has developed and improvised many 'trainers' games,' in order to improve the effectiveness of training. Teaching is his passion.

He has a passion for writing too. He is a long time blogger in the world-wide site 'blogspot.com.' He regularly writes blogs, on a wide range of topics and has earned the goodwill of a large number of blog readers. I too, am one among them.

Mr. Lakshminarayana's first book in Kannada with the title 'Rajanna Mattomme Hutti Baa' was released by late Dr. Parvathamma Rajkumar during 2008. So far, this is the only 'fictional story' involving the character of Kannada's greatest film hero Dr. Raj Kumar. This book was well received and widely read.

Mr. Lakshminrayana K is also a widely travelled man. His travelogues, written in the form of blogs, covering his tours of South East Asia, Europe and America are quite interesting.

Since his recent retirement as a bank trainer early this year, he has taken up writing more seriously. Obviously, the topic of 'pandemic Covid-19' has stirred his mind. His present book named 'INDIA, DEFEAT CORONA' is written with the intention of generating hope and confidence in the minds of readers, without giving room for complacence.

This book spread over 14 chapters has recorded India's efforts to defeat corona, in distinct terms. The effect of the lockdown, the plight of our migrant workers, dedication of our corona warriors, the impact of corona on our economy, the lessons that corona has taught us and the ways to defeat corona are all well recorded in this book, in the form of 'fictional stories and characters.' But any discerning reader, can very well relate his stories to the real-world situations, our country has witnessed during last 5-6 months.

'Was corona man-made?' is the topic of hot debate among people. It's a sensitive issue too. The author has deftly handled this topic. Like me, readers are also likely to be quite impressed by the line of arguments, developed by the author.

Lakshminarayana's language is simple and his presentations are lucid. I am sure that, most of the issues haunting the minds of our common men about this pandemic, are well dealt in this book. Besides giving a true picture of the various challenges, he has also tried to discuss the possible solutions and their limitations. I assure that the readers of this book would be in agreement with the line of thoughts and actions, kindled by our author.

This book is further enriched by illustrations with 15 cartoons drawn by the well-known cartoonist, Mr. Raghupathi Sringeri. The author has taken care in appropriately placing the cartoons, at right places.

In a nutshell, I recommend that this e-book 'INDIA, DEFEAT CORONA' is very informative and that it should be read by every human whether in our country or in any part of the world.

SUBRAMANI K

HOLDS RESPONSIBILITY AS ALL INDIA GENERAL SECRETARY

CANARA BANK OFFICERS' ORGANISATION

(affiliated to NOBO AND BMS)

Res: HOUSE NO. 2, "VAIBHAVA'

SHREYAS COLONY 1ST CROSS

JP NAGAR 7TH PHASE

BANGALAORE 560078

CONTACT 9448804684

Preface

It was late night on the 31st of December 2019. As per tradition in the residential colony we live, it was time for celebration for welcoming the 'new year 2020.' It was time for bursting of crackers by the youth of our colony, followed by the distribution of sweets. But none of us who had gathered on that night, knew that earlier that day, our neighbouring country China, had announced the outbreak of a 'novel coronavirus,' in their 'city of Wuhan.' Next day morning, I didn't even notice the news of the outbreak, which was carried in a small column, on the front page of my newspaper. But today, that novel coronavirus, now famous by the name, 'Covid-19 virus' has engulfed the entire world!

World Health Organization (WHO) had repeatedly warned that the 'outbreak of such a pandemic was quite imminent.' But very few had taken it seriously. Long ago, French dramatist and reformer Voltaire (1694-1778) had said that 'the danger which is least expected soonest comes to us.'

The outbreak of the virus that caused AIDS disease during 1981, has proved ominous for the entire mankind. It was followed by other epidemics like the 'bird flu (1996), SARS (2002), swine flu (2009), Ebola (2013), Nipah (2018), MERS (2019) and now the Covid-19 (2020).' The pandemic Covid-19 has virtually brought the entire world to a grinding halt. There is no human activity anywhere in the world, which is not affected by this deadly virus.

Covid-19 virus was a late entrant to our country, India. But its wild and fast spread during last couple of months has become a matter of serious concern. Nobody knows how long it will last. Nobody knows how this crisis will end.

My e-book under the title 'India, Defeat Corona,' is not a mere slogan. It is aimed at kindling hope and confidence among my readers. We have to draw inspiration from the popular adage that 'every crisis is an opportunity.' We all have to learn to live with the virus. Simple methods like 'social distancing, frequent washing of hands using soap and wearing of masks,' can go a long way in containing the spread of the virus. Our scientists all over the world are burning their midnight oil in finding a suitable vaccine to contain this pandemic, which seems a possibility by the end of this year.

We can't halt the progress of our economy, just for the fear of one tiny virus. It's a question of 'lives Vs livelihood.' Stoppage of economic activities can be more disastrous than the pandemic itself! Thanks to our 'corona warriors,' who are working hard to contain the pandemic. Let's salute our farmers, workers, technocrats, bankmen and businessmen, who are daring to go ahead, ignoring the threats of the disease. In fact, 'positive mental attitude,' among our men, is one crucial factor, which can help us substantially in containing the deadly virus. I am sure that we will win this war of 'pandemic Vs people.'

My e-book, 'India, Defeat Corona' is a fictional novel. All stories and characters (barring a few) in this novel are fictional. The true life events that we all have witnessed in this country since the outbreak of Covid-19 has only provided me the basis for developing appropriate plots, stories and characters, aimed at describing our country's 'tryst with destiny,' in defeating corona, while marching ahead on the path of progress.

My book provides various events and data related to the topic, which are true only as on the date/s provided therein. Readers are requested to kindly note that my book was written during the period 'March-July, 2020.' I would like to remind my readers that the data and the situations pertaining to this pandemic are changing every day, all across the world.

I would like to reiterate that my e-book is a fictional novel with a story line running throughout. Yet each of the 14 chapters of this e-book, is complete by itself and a reader can pick and choose any one of them for reading, even on a random basis. The chapter heads in the contents list are hyper-linked to the first page of the related chapter.

It is said that 'a picture is worth a thousand words.' Mr. Raghupathi Sringeri, one of our country's top cartoonists, has provided me 14 cartoons for illustrating each of the 14 chapters, besides designing the cover page. I believe that, his artwork has provided my book, a great image boost.

I am thankful to my former bank colleague and longtime friend, Mr. M. Gopalakrishna Bhat, B.Sc., LL.B., CAIIB for proof-reading my drafts and giving me valuable suggestions, while writing this book.

I am grateful to Dr. Girish H.C., MD (Paed), DABPCC (USA), CCST (UK), Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric intensivist, Vikram Hospital, Bengaluru for providing my book the right 'forward', aimed at setting the mind of my book readers, towards a balanced view.

My long time friend Mr. Subramani K, All India General Secretary, Canara Bank Officers' Organization (Affiliated to NOBO & BMS) has written the detailed 'introductory note,' virtually providing the 'bird's-eye view' of my book. I am indebted to him for his act of kindness.

My son Dr. Subhash L., Asst. Professor, School of Engg., University of Warwick, U.K., has been my 'devil's advocate,' since his childhood in probing me. My best wishes to him for enriching my book with his critical comments.

Last but not the least, I am thankful to my wife Mrs. Anasuya for 'being with me,' throughout the period of writing this book.

I am only a common man like most of you. Throughout this book you may find reference to many 'medical terminologies and phrases, medical concepts and medical events.' I am not competent to speak about any of them. In case of any issues or doubts regarding such medical related matters, I suggest you to please consult your family doctor for the needed advice and be guided accordingly.

I am thankful to Dr. Rajesh Devdas and his team of 'Pustaka Digital Media' for helping me in publishing this e-book. They have helped me in sticking to the principal of 'atmanirbharata,' the self-reliance in the matter of publishing my e-book.

I appeal to my readers to read my book with an open mind. I request you to provide me your brief comments on my book's page in Pustaka Digital Media site itself. Issues related to mistakes if any and your detailed comments may be kindly sent to my e mail id 'lakshminarayana.krishnappa20@gmail.com' or 'my WhatsApp number 98455 62603.'

Thanks & Regards

Lakshminarayana K

Author

M.Sc.,M.B.A.,CAIIB

Former Bank Trainer

104, 2nd Main, Shreyas Colony

J.P.Nagar 7th Phase

Bengaluru 560 078

India

Mob: 98455 62603

E mail id: lakshminarayana.krishnappa20@gmail.com

1. Let's Light the Lamp

It was nearing 5.00 pm on Sunday, the 22nd March 2020. People on either side of the street, were standing in front of their respective houses and on their roof-tops, to perform the most sacred duty assigned to them by their Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi. They wanted to thank and encourage millions of 'corona warriors,' including medical staff, police personnel, sanitation workers, those who work for supply of essential items, bankmen, postal employees and media-men etc., who were working 24 X 7 for fighting 'Covid-19' (Coronavirus disease-19).

At the stroke of 5.00 pm, they started clapping, cheering, clanging of utensils, ringing pooja (worship) bells, and blowing conch shells. Being a long-time resident of the area, Raju was in his elements in cheering up his neighbours. His rational-minded daughter Rohini, who was a 'Sociology research scholar,' too was equally enthusiastic in drumming support for her father. Being tech-savvy, she was ringing bell sound from her i-phone connected to the speaker by bluetooth! A few were video recording and taking pictures through their mobiles. Children, young, middle-aged and the old displayed great enthusiasm in adding to the intensity of the event. In fact, the show went on for about 15 minutes. Raju's street was a picture of 'mini-India,' expressing its gratitude to the brave men who were at the forefront in fighting 'Covid-19 virus' (Coronavirus disease-19 virus), risking their lives.

The next day, Raju was first to show his daughter, Prime Minister, Modiji's tweet tagging the video clip of his nonagenarian mother beating a plate in her Gandhinagar house. 'With the blessings of crores of mothers like you, the doctors, nurses, medical staff, police personnel, security personnel, sanitation workers and members of the media fighting coronavirus are encouraged,' the PM had written. Young Rohini had nodded in approval.

Newspapers were full of pictures of people from almost all parts of India clapping for their fighting countrymen. Politicians, film personalities and sportsmen, were second to none in stealing the show. What was heartening, were the pictures of 'aam janata' (common men), joining from their doorsteps in expressing their willingness to fight the menace, which was