The statistics available on people affected by coronavirus (Covid-19) clearly illustrates one thing — India is managing this crisis in a fairly better manner compared to the other developing and some developed countries.

Leaders and heads of governments of many countries are now in full praise for the measures undertaken by the Indian government in tackling this unprecedented crisis. Stringent measures with respect to lockdowns, screening of travellers at airports, quarantine measures, medicines and treatment facilities are some of the noteworthy steps undertaken by the government.

Well before the first positive case was reported, the government took precautionary steps which included, but not limited to, holding a meeting of all chief secretaries of the states in January, screening of passengers coming from China in February etc. This indicated India’s vision — it is better to sweat in peace rather than bleed in war.

Many countries which are leaders of health and medical infrastructure have seen more than 5 lakh infections and thousands of deaths. However, given the huge population of 130 crore, 55,000 infections across the country show that in India the curve is not so steep.

Until now, more than 300 districts have not recorded a single Covid-19 case and five states are completely in coronavirus shadow area. The seriousness of the issue was noted by the government well before the time it started spreading in India.

The country also took the initiatives to fight against this global pandemic on different platforms and at different levels. Extending help to SAARC countries, holding a G-20 meeting, exporting the much required medicines are to name a few.

No wonder, today a major part of the world wants India to take the leadership of World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure the formulation of better healthcare policies.

The important steps that India took much earlier than other countries was the announcement of the national lockdown. This helped to break the chain of this fast spreading pandemic. Apart from this, schools and colleges have been shut, social distancing has been maintained and, more importantly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself came on television to lift the morale of the people.

Mentioning a word about support that people of the country have shown would not be out of scope. During the ‘Janata Curfew’ and the lockdowns the discipline and compliance by the common people of the country have been exemplary. They need to be saluted.

There are many humane and heart-warming incidents also that are being reported from across the country. Applauding coronavirus warriors and lighting lamps to bring in positive energy have united the people. Doctors, nurses, police, safai karmacharis (sweepers, cleaners), etc, were designated as ‘corona warriors’ and people’s perspective about them has changed.

This virus has given a chance to carry out advanced research in the field of medicine. Many pioneering institutes like IIT Delhi are involved in the research of production of testing kits.

It is expected that India would be equipped with rapid testing kits this month (May).

In February, there were only three labs but as of today more than 372 testing labs have been set up. Before the end of May more than 750 labs would be set up.

India has taken a lead role in development of vaccination for this virus and three major institutes have been provided with financial assistance. With the help of Ayush Department measures are being taken to boost the immunity of the people.

A major breakthrough that has been achieved during the period is that robots are being deployed to provide medications to the Covid-19 patients to avoid further spreading of the virus. India has also attained self-sustainability in manufacturing N-95 masks and personal protection equipment (PPE).

After lockdown was announced, the central government has provided many relief measures covering all spheres of economic activities.

During March and April the country sees an increased number of marriages, fairs, religious events and a rise in manufacturing of goods and services. These contribute to 30 per cent of our gross domestic product (GDP).

Since lockdown was in force none of these activities took place. So, the government stepped in to help particularly the daily wage earners.

Some of the important measures include — Rs 500 credited to more than 20 crore Jan Dhan accounts for next the three months, eight crore farmers will get their Rs 2,000 share out of Kisan Samman Yojana, around eight crore families will get LPG cylinder free of cost for next three months, around 2.8 crore handicapped, senior citizens and pensioners will get Rs 1,000 extra as relief measure.

All doctors, nurses who are involved in Covid-19 treatment would get Rs 50 lakh insurance cover. Rs 15,000 crore is being released to every state to take up Covid-19 relief measures at their levels.

Even the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has provided many relief measures such as postponement of EMI, insurance premiums, etc for the next three months. All these steps have given much needed relief to the affected people apart from creating an overall positive environment in the country.

All these measures may look like small steps but in the long run they would have a major impact. First priority of the government was to save lives, in which we have almost succeeded.

The strategy of the government led by Narendra Modi is very clear ‘survival-revival-excellence’.

For now, survival is first priority, and on this front we have achieved a major success. The next six months will be the period of revival, where all spheres of the economy will be strengthened with further relief measures. Overall, India is preparing for a long-term roadmap to emerge as a super power with excellence.

A last word about Indian culture will not be impertinent here. This testing time has proved the efficacy of some of our traditional aspects of our culture to the entire world.

Now people all over the world are saying ‘namaste’, practising yoga to boost immunity, etc. This Covid-19 pandemic period has also taught many valuable lessons to our government and to our people. First and foremost is the value and importance of self-reliance and self sufficiency, which is now in the minds of most of the Indians.

Indians are boycotting Chinese products on a large scale and have found their Indian alternatives.

Meanwhile, China is losing its credibility in the global market and many big corporate and manufacturing giants are looking for safer markets.

No doubt, the Indian government will leave no stone unturned to take full advantage of this situation. India would be the next big investment hub and this will boost our country’s economy as a whole.

Over all, steps already taken and being taken by the government will place us in the position of global leader and soon everyone’s eyes will turn towards India as their most-preferred destination.

B L Santhosh

Get Swarajya in your inbox.