Take a pledge to fight against the stigma of Covid patients

PC THOMAS

COVID-19 is the biggest challenge of our lifetimes unfortunately. It is changing human behaviors and attitudes today to a great extent and forcing people to respond in different ways. Presumably, the pandemic may require more time to be brought under control and it may take years for normalcy in all aspects of life to return. Meanwhile the moot question is how we would survive. Perhaps there will be radical changes in life in the future, as the crisis has caused a great deal of panic and the, people now consider it more of a crime to be affected by it than a disease.

What is the attitude of the society towards the patients who are confirmed Covid positive? Due to panic among the people, the Covid positive people are sometimes treated like untouchables, even though they are getting recovered from their disease. The cured persons struggle with multiple factors including social isolation, stigma and discrimination which put them at higher risk of psychological problems. This social stigma needs to be tackled through education and awareness.

According to doctors’ versions, the Covid19 is coming and going unknowingly to many of our people. 40 percent of people would not be aware of the fact that they have Covid. But when they were tested and found positive, they become not only the victims of Covid but also of a social tragedy. A stigma is attached to those who are sick, or suspected to be sick, as well as to those who tend to them.

Also Read- what-to-do-when-corona-climbs-mt-Everest

There is a need to change the mind-set of the people. We need to understand how much suffering this crisis causes to the patients and their loved ones. People with this disease should not be discriminated. In the ancient times, only lepers were secluded to a great extent for fear, of contracting the sickness or becoming ritually impure through any contact with them. But Jesus Christ touched the lepers and healed them, according to the scriptures. What is the attitude of people towards Covid positive patients in this modern world? Unfortunately, people treat them as if they have committed a major crime when they are infected with the coronavirus.

Human relationships are to be maintained in all situations. Social distance does not mean not helping each other. In fact, what is meant by social distancing is physical distancing. Unfortunately, the word social distance is often misunderstood. The so called social distance should be understood as keeping at least two meters physical distance between persons. Do not misunderstand it.  Human beings are social beings. They have to treat one another with respect, empathy and love in all situations!

Also read-Stay positive in negative situation

No one can live without social connections in life. Our vision and focus of life should be for all and for one another. Otherwise there is no point in saying that we are cultured or social beings. Even a herd of animals will always try to save a suffering animal. On the contrary, human beings are becoming indifferent to other human beings. Are we not better than other animals?

Today there is a tendency to exploit the Covid situation by greedy people. It seems to give them some sort of power to control the life of others through various means. Unethical business dealings are some of them. Hoarding of essential goods or selling things including life-saving medicines at a higher price to people who struggle to survive is one of them.  Public systems need to be put in place to protect the people from such exploitation and price rise. Let us take a pledge to fight against the stigma of COVID-19.

    

What to do When Corona Climbs Mt. Everest?

PC THOMAS

We are marching towards more than sixth month of the coronavirus induced lockdown and there seems to be no breather from the highly infectious contagion which is devastating the world. The crisis appears to be unfolding in India in the worst manner than we could have expected. As of September 22, the alarming number of COVID cases worldwide has crossed the 30-million mark and has resulted in 9,71,879 deaths.

Having dealt with social isolation in India, people keep wondering and thinking when we will able to live a normal life? The pandemic shattered the economy, corporate or the everyday economics. It wreaked people with pain of less work, of not going out or exploring new things, but it bridged that void between relationships.

While scientists and medical experts around the world have been working at a breakneck pace to launch a vaccine to control the spread of COVID-19, there is one question that everyone has that how will the pandemic end? While the official caseload has crossed the five million mark, medical experts suggest that the pandemic will touch its peak at different marks in different regions of the country. Therefore, our reaction to the pandemic has to be more localized and effective, to get rid of the pandemic from the root level.

Although the COVID time affects our emotions, memories, feelings and perspectives, it should help us to transform our vision of life for the better and to develop our character. A crisis like this teaches us lessons we would not learn when things are pleasant. We are the sum of the experiences that we come across as we go through life. As human beings, when we encounter a challenge, we have liberty on how to respond to it.

Also Read - How do we prepare ourselves against Covid pandemic?

This pandemic has taught us many things if we can introspect. Different people must have got different realization. The time is ripe to reconsider and rethink our lifestyles and our approach towards social unity. We must tighten protocols and work in unison to build a COVID free society. Cleanliness of surroundings in general and personal hygiene in particular should now be prioritized. We must extend a serving hand without anticipation of a reward. We can help those in need and be ready to help and take help when needed. Let us realize that humans are made out of love and let this love be around. Let us imbibe and reflect love.

Also Read: when-will-we-go-back-to-normal-life

In these difficult times we see many torch-bearers who are risking their lives to protect others – Doctors, nurses and police forces are the epitome of human values in this crisis. Keeping our helplessness in view, we must all surrender before the Almighty’s Power. As we move ahead on the pathway of humankind, things will roll in our favour, pleasing the creator. If we are at peace within ourselves and at peace with the nature we will certainly dispose of this virus. All of us are tense and stressed. We must turn to Almighty. Stay updated with the Best Blog PC Thomas

 

 

 

Traditional drugs for Covid-19 faces bottleneck pressure

PC THOMAS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his video conference on March 28, said that the AYUSH sector has a long tradition of keeping the nation in the pink of health and its importance has increased manifold in the continual efforts to tackle COVID-19. The Government has set up the Department of AYUSH – which stands for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy – to utilize and promote these therapies in the field of healthcare.

While Covid-19 looms large, it is commonly seen that no allopathic doctor is supporting or acknowledging the traditional treatments such as Homeopathy, Ayurvedic and so on. Last month, media reported that Homeopathy treatment was given to 42 Corona-infected patients in the Rajastan by physicians of the Homeopathy University of Jaipur, which yielded positive results. There was also another news reported that thousands of homeopaths in the public and private sector are outraged at the state directive restricting them from practising their system of medicine.

Traditional medicine has some features that the allopathic class does not have. Similarly, Allopathy also has its own features that the traditional does not have. Medical Experts believe that in the event of an outbreak of infectious or other serious diseases in the country, all these therapies will work together to tackle the disease effectively in prevention and treatment of cases. It is in this light that the Prime Minister said that traditional therapies could suggest better ways to combat the virus.

While modern medical field has not yet succeeded in developing a timely and effective drug against the coronavirus, there is a growing public demand to use non-allopathic therapies to treat the patients who are found to be Covid-19 positive. In India many people take traditional therapies such as homeopathy or Ayurvade for making themselves immune and fight against the virus.  Many local communities are also taking interest in distributing homeopathic medicines from the source to the public interest for the prevention of disease.   But the Allopathic community or modern science never acknowledges or supports the quality of the drug.

In view of the huge increase in the number of Covid patients in Kerala, the Government of Kerala has decided to appoint non-Allopathic doctors and staff to run the first-aid centers. But no further pursuance has been taken by the government. The reason is said to be due to the opposition from the allopathic medicine sector. The Indian Medical Association (IMA), an organization of allopathic doctors, is strongly opposed to alternative therapies, especially homeopathy.

Immunity drugs in traditional therapies are often demonstrated since they are scientifically based. Government hospitals, medical study facilities and graduate colleges have been set up in all these medical units. The government also pays their employees. Every day thousands of patients approach such hospitals and achieve the results. Yet what is the logic of saying that such treatments cannot be acknowledged even when epidemics are rampant in the country? This discrimination must be ended. The government needs to settle the Cold War between the medical communities and work towards a co-operative treatment plan on a war footing basis.  This article published in Metro Vaartha on 7.8.20- Stay updated with the Best Blog PC Thomas

 

Keep mental health while social distancing

PC THOMAS

The Covid-19 pandemic has radically changed our lives, including our relationships with other people in our communities, our homes and our workplaces. People are feeling depressed or bored.  Some people are challenging flexible management of works keeping social distancing regulations, some are working safely from home, some are in quarantine and some are distracted themselves for not meeting their loved ones. For romantic couples, the isolation  has an adverse impact on them who have been stuck inside together for months and may be getting bored with each other's company. However, social quarantine should not prevent you from keeping up solid, healthy connections or boosting your skill development and mental balance. 

In this Covidian social time, it is necessary for you to do each possible extent to keep up your physical fitness and emotional wellbeing.  This, in turn, will assist you with a positive mentality to keep your relations upbeat and solid. But how would we go about it? During social distancing, it is imperative to seek approaches to support your mental well-being. You can do this by keeping your mind involved and finding inventive approaches to keep up your social life.

Social distancing and seclusion can be hazardous unless people work to maintain their connections with others. Even if you are encircled by family members at home, tensions will come up and relationships can be strained. Therefore, it is necessary to nurture relationships outside the home, even if you cannot see them face-to-face.

Social distancing is changing the manner in which we live, yet it does not need to change our companionships, sentimental connections. Whatever be the case in your life, you have to understand that this is a temporary stage, and you will come out of it soon. Hence, rather than getting hindered with depressing thoughts, utilize this time to work on your healthy relationships and build beautiful memories.

During this isolation, anyone can maintain his skill development through reading books, brushing up vocabularies to improve his proficiency and share his knowledge and reflections with his friends which will enhance knowledge of people, society, history and culture. It will also expand your minds, and can also give you a sense of accomplishment during these depressing times.

If you want to experience mental and spiritual peace, put on some music and give meditation a try. Meditation and prayers will also help you reduce stress, boost energy, develop an immune system to combat the virus attack. Choosing any of these activities will give you peace of mind and enable you to do complete justice to your free time. You can also explore many other activities in line with your taste and aptitude.

An honest assessment of these areas in your life needs consideration for your mental health. A helpful spot to assess yourself is to consider the areas of your life where you are feeling depleted. At the point when you begin assessing how you can honour your needs and start to take action in these areas, you begin to build trust with yourself and boost your self- compassion. This article published in Metro Vaartha on 31.7.20- Stay updated with the Best Blog PC Thomas

How do we prepare ourselves against Covid pandemic?

PC  THOMAS

The exponential hike in coronavirus cases is troublesome for the people across the planet. The World Health Organisation (WHO) warns that the pandemic will wreak further havoc on the face of the earth.

Now, newer blueprints are emerging in India’s Covid-19 surge with cases crossing a million-mark. With the fear looms large, the coming back of complete lockdowns in various parts of India is even more worrying.

Bihar has been declared completely closed for two weeks from Saturday. Major cities in various states have been closed. U.P and M.P are under complete lockdown during weekend, Sundays. Guwahati, the capital of Assam has been in lockdown since June 28. Pune in Maharashtra on June 13 and Bangalore on July 14 were closed. Calcutta is in a partial lockdown in various cantonment zones. In Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is on a triple lockdown from July 6. At least one-third of the country's population is facing lockdowns again in at least 10 states.

Now, one question people seek an answer is what we can do now to resist? - It is difficult to answer. However, we can boost our resilience, which is our single best weapon for dealing with stress. This one disease, Covid-19 can provide us with such wisdom beyond our comprehension. It offers a plethora of lessons on a personal, regional and planetary level showing the urgency to promote necessary transformations of our society to survive in the twenty-first century. 

In order to keep the virus under control, it is important that people must follow social distancing protocol effectively. The more people we have exchanges with, the more possibility the virus has to spread. Hence, try to limit the number of people we see - especially over short periods of time. All People should adhere to the government guidelines, wearing masks and sanitization regularly.

As the crisis allows us to find additional meaning in our lives, many little things surprisingly become very important for us. What to do now?  - As a very little measure, do yoga regularly as breathing exercises will increase our lung capacity. As heart rate increases, breathing becomes rapid and the virus will likely find it difficult to gain a foothold. Those who are smoking quit their habits as smoking damages the lungs providing a foothold for infections.

Although the Covid time affects our emotions, memories, feelings and perspectives, it should help us to transform our vision of life for better and to develop our character. A crisis like this teaches us lessons we would not learn when things are pleasant. We are the sum of the experiences that we come across as we go through life. As human beings, when we encounter a challenge, we have liberty on how to respond to it. Every decision that we make leads us down a different road.

Although there are many unforeseen transformations are brought into our lifestyle, we can use this time more effectively and the crisis can be changed into an opportunity to better the quality of our life!.

This article published in Metro Vaartha on 21.7.2020

What day is today, Friday or Monday?: A Lockdown Impact!

During this lockdown, I often ask to my wife, what is the day today?  Is it Monday or Tuesday? And she gets irritated with me for raising such a silly question. Have the lockdown days made me so forgetful about ordinary things?  On the one hand she looks at me quizzically but on the other hand, she herself asks even more silly questions to me like “What day is today, Friday or Monday? Or what is the date today, 10 or 20?” 

If you have been confusing what day or date it is, you are not alone.  In this lockdown, everybody’s mental clock is only partially functioning or not at all, as many are struggling with the pandemic.  The Covid-19 virus outbreak has rendered calendars somewhat obsolete. As India settles down into its more than 9th week in lockdown, it seems that many of us, particularly those who are working from home, are beginning to lose the track of time and try to go about with a semblance of normality.

For what reason does the lockdown befuddle our feeling of time?  During normal times, our calendar days or weekends and month-ends are dictated by our work.  That means, in our day to day schedule, what we eat, how we dress, when we go to sleep and when we wake up are totally dictated by our work. By routine, we get started with our work on a Monday and knowing that it would be wound up on a Saturday. But during this lockdown, certainly, many of these characteristics of our routine have been lost.

More than a third of the world's populace is now thought to be under some sort of lockdown in a bid to control the spread of the Covid-19 disease. This is especially true for those working-safely-from-homes and who would normally structure their days around their work and work-schedule.

To those experiencing difficulties remembering the date and the day, it is advisable that they organize their life with a little more discipline than other times. Try to wake up at the same time each day, even if you have no work.  Eat normal food  at a specific time and ensure adequate discipline throughout the day by scheduling time for other activities like meditation and physical exercise of one’s choice, not remaining sitting idle for prolonged periods of time.

What makes the Covid 19-times disorientating is that the physical atmosphere looks very normal but we have lost every social anchor that we would normally use.  Also, setting definite goals, and scheduling time to accomplish them besides our other obligations, can help us to structure our days and feel more productive. This will also provide a sense of achievement, something many of us have been probably lacking in these lockdown days! Monday to Friday and in the week-ends live consciously. Give a boost to your inner spirit!

This article published in Metro Varrtha on 31.5.2020

Good hygiene practices help reduce the virus spread

Even this Covid times, it is seen that many people have the habit of spitting anywhere and everywhere, while walking or driving their vehicles

P C  THOMAS

India, currently under fourth stage lockdown, is fighting back against COVID-19 breaking the chain of transmission to prevent the attack. The fourth phase of ‘Stay safe at home’ intends to protect ourselves from the spread COVID-19. This Covid times categorically proved that it is impossible to live in the world without proper social hygiene and discipline.

During this lockdown, one day when there was no cash in my hand, I had to go to my nearest ATM to take out money, wearing mask and keeping hand sanitizers in pocket. On the way, one guy who drove fast in front of me spitted on the road, and his mouth liquid splashed in my hand. I think, perhaps he may not be the one who live in this novel corona world. 

Even this Covid times, it is seen that many people have the habit of spitting anywhere and everywhere, while walking or driving their vehicles. We must, however, identify that the safety of others is essential to our own safety.  The Covid-19 has taught us that people can succeed in this resistance only by stripping down their life.

The Union Health Ministry has recently asked all states to prohibit the use and spitting of smokeless tobacco in public places to avert the spread of the Covid-19. The ministry said that the chewing smokeless tobacco products, paan masala etc increase the production of saliva followed by a very strong urge to spit. In the light of the above, the MP government has banned spitting in public places to contain further of the deadly COVID-19 infection. The government decided to slap a penalty of Rs.1000 on those who are found violating the ban by spitting in public places.  Wearing face mask has also been made mandatory for the people in the state.

While the virus outbreak is a serious public health concern, we need to give up many of our negative social habits and styles that are wreaking havoc on our health and move into a new culture of wearing masks always without spitting on roads so as to ensure our personal hygiene, optimal health and a sense of social well-being.  If we go out wearing mask habitually, there would be less inclination to spit. Experts point out that if we are healthy we only need to wear a mask even when we are taking care of a person with suspected Covid-19 infection. Therefore, masks can now be an indispensable part of future life, in addition to all safety steps to reduce virus infections. In essence, we need to become new people who are symbolic of vigilance, care and hygiene to fight against the common enemy of Covid-19.

Writing sharply on Corona Wall?

P C  THOMAS

"If you ensure these points well in your script, yes your story is ready to catch reader’s attention, and may even going to ‘Viral’!"

The world is now struggling with Covid-19 crisis, and in the midst, it is a common scenario that for many writers, artists or poets, it is their only the best way forward to put pen to paper, making their ever best creations trying to conceptualize on corona wall, as India’s hotspots are still under extended lockdown and the regular life seems to have ground to a halt, leaving them fell-free to express their emotions!

Of late, seeing my articles in print, some juniors asked me how to write short-sharp on the Covid-19 issues? At the same time, many people also excused that they have no idea how to write.

In the novel corona virus time, however, the writers write the best, poets make their catchy slogans, singers/dancers sound their best and even the dogs bark at the hoot–  All creations loom large in craze!.  By this spirit, they are never supposed to enjoy the situation, but they at their fullest emotions, try to react the corona virus painfully!

However, if your interest is focused on writing, at this juncture let me give some guidelines on writing with my experience in the field: Dear friends, you can develop your writing and thinking power to its fullest extent, not only in the Covid, but also on any matter, if you can train yourselves. 

From the earliest memories of childhood, throughout your school days to adult friendship, your experience at work, or as you like to write the Covid crisis, the lockdown, the isolation, the quarantine, the social and economic consequences of Covid, the family and personal crises that Covid generates etc, which  are all moving issues that can be dealt with your pen. Today, it is an admissible fact that, Covid-19 or Corona virus holds more than 75 percent of media coverage.

Whatever be your writing topic that put on CORONA wall or anywhere, it should be basically informative, narrative and clear in its purpose. Originality is a vital ingredient in any piece of writing, whatever is its theme. Writing begins when you think you have something important to say to others! 

If you like the idea of making your voice heard, you stand a better chance of having it published in newspapers. You don’t need to be a writer or journalist by profession to have your writing accepted by the print media. You can do it without any special training.  The basic requirement is the ordinary schooling that all of us have had and an alert mind to reflect on what is happening around you and the ability to respond to it. Many regular columnists and skilled writers commenced their careers by way of writing letters in local publications.

See, constructing a readable article is not an easy task as it looks.  To achieve it, you must have an organized and systematic approach to your writing assignment.  To start with, you must study the theme well. In other words, you must be well informed about the theme of our writing.  Thinking positively is the principal part of writing. Pick a topical item of local importance or common interest, preferably one which matters to you personally and hopefully for others and write about it to the Editor of the local newspaper.  While writing a Letter to the Editor, following points need to be ensured:

Write clearly and straight forward, keep it brief and to the point and make it as contemporary as possible. While writing an article, the opening sentence should give a clear indication of what the script is all about and once you begin writing, keep focus on the main point and don’t digress or don’t get the point sidetracked.  It should have a good attention-grabbing introduction, and the middle arranged in a logical order so as to deliver the information promised in the introduction.  And the ending, which rounds the article off, bring it logically back to the beginning. If you ensure these points well in your script, yes your story is ready to catch reader’s attention, and may even going to ‘Viral’!

In sum, if the writing bug has bitten you, write right away – on the Corona walls or any wall street! Writing out something, anything, and publishing them will enable you to organize your thinking power and to discover your strength and weakness. The key stone for developing the skill of writing is laid in one’s inquisitiveness of mind and interest in READING!.

This story was published in Free Press Journal on 14-May 2019

Nurses Day Midst Covid Challenge

ANCY SEBASTIAN

Nation celebrates International Nurses Day on May 12 honoring the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the revolutionary figure in the nursing world, to mark the contributions of nurses in the society. The day is set apart to respect and acknowledge the contributions of nurses to the society.

As a Nursing Superintendent and OT in-charge at Coral Hospital Indore, I would like to share my nursing life in this Covid times, in this International Nurses Day:- I love being a nurse in profession for many reasons - Mostly because this profession has brought me into the lives of people whom I would not have met, if I were not a nurse. Some of the most interesting people I have ever met came into my life because I am a nurse.

Despite hurdles in the pandemic, I perform my selfless devotion and determination giving dignity to my service. As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rising momentum, nurses on the frontlines of the health care find themselves risky in their life. The role of Nurses in the healthcare sector comes more significant now in the Covid times than ever before. As the nurses are often the backbone of doctor and the last thread of kindness for patients, they are working without rest.

In spite of rising number of Covid-19 patients, I keep on my record that I am still going for duty, and did not skip even a single shift. When I give injection to patients, I always try to keep my smile at the tip of the needle or at the heart of the patients. I illuminate the minds of patients while I sharing my burdens with them.

It was one year ago that my husband left to heavenly abode.  In spite of the loneliness suffered post death of my partner, I have been a regular visitor to hospitals and other institutions as part of my service. It is my promise that I will continue my service sincerely at the end of my life.

At the Covid juncture, some fellow nurses shared their feelings: “If we sit at home leaving job, what would be our motivation level?” Yes,  I try to keep my team motivated, make certain they take all the necessary precautions, and keep them updated with all information. When I am on duty, I visit all sections of the hospital and keep talking to my colleagues and encouraging their spirits.

I think this Covid-19 pandemic only highlights and elevates the key role that nurses serve in health care. Let us see the various alternative ways nurses can contribute, adapt, and take the lead in this crisis. Being the Nursing Excellence Award Winner, I respect the International Nurses Day and its significance in nurses life, and pray let the light of Florence Nightingale be rekindled to burn brightly in our hearts!.

Lockdown Impact on Employment

PC THOMAS :  Having no significant gains from the 40-days shutdown in India's fight to slow the spread of COVID-19, it has become necessary for the government to extent the lockdown by two more weeks from May 4. Stay safe and well at home!

The nationwide lockdown to fight Covid-19 pandemic is possibly going to bring about immense occupation misfortunes, pay cuts and stop on recruiting for job over the next few quarters, subsequently giving blues to India's troubled work story.

To share my story: I have been working as a Content Writer, producing contents for some companies.  As a result of the lockdowns, with no improvement in the business, the companies faced a number of challenges to sustain their business and as a result, hurrah!, I lost my job in the very first phase of lockdown.

Covid-19 crisis has adversely affected not only in my case and in similar ones, but also all the employment sectors across the country. The virus and the subsequent economic shocks have impacted the world of work across verticals. There is terrible news about the continuing spread of the virus and the delay in discovering effective vaccine to contain the Covid-19 virus has led most employees to vex about the job loss or salary cut.

With hardly any career openings in the market foreseen at least for the next few months and what happens after the lockdown is lifted, God alone knows! At least for now, there is no clarity on how long it would take for the companies to pick up.

It is commonly seen, as retail sales have dropped completely on account of the lockdown, automotive dealers encounter several challenges to revive their business. Hotel, travel & hospitality industry and other businesses of Gems & Jewellary, Handicrafts, Textile and garments, have been hit hard.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, it is further witnessed that many companies have been cancelling interviews as there is lockdown in many parts of the country. However, some technology-oriented companies are hiring and conducting interviews by using alternative channels such as, Zoom, Skype etc., but there is no appointment taking place.

According to the latest assessment by the International Labour Organization or ILO, the economic and labour crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic could increase global joblessness by near 25-million. And if the impact continues for a few more months, however, there could be a tragedy of continuous job losses across different sectors in India. What a difficult time we are thrown into! 

COVID-19:Panic grips Malayalees in Gulf

P C  THOMAS

The fast spread of COVID-19 in the Gulf countries has become a major cause of concern in Kerala, which has a large section of its population working there, a lot of them are ordinary workers and labourers. It's been more than half a century since the Malayalee Diaspora working in the Gulf countries. A Malayalee who sweats in the sand for home and country has a defining role in the economic growth of Kerala.

The role of the Gulf Malayalee in the state's economic development cannot be overstated. As per estimate, more than 30 lakh people from Kerala are working in the Gulf countries. Also, there are millions of Malayalees in other countries of Asia, Europe, the US and Africa.

According to a rough estimate, the overseas Malayalees send a total of Rs 1.5 lakh crore to Kerala every year. It is estimated that the remittances of the Gulf Malayalees play a vital role in keeping the Human Development Index (HDI) of Kerala on par with the developed nations. Would the remittances from the Gulf to Kerala continue to flow as usual? 

With the spread of COVID 19 in the UAE and other Gulf countries, the Indian community is in a state of panic. Thousands lost their jobs. Thousands are on unpaid leave. In this situation it is desirable for them to return home than languishing there with anxiety and uncertainty. Therefore it is necessary to bring them back.

Many Malayalees in the Gulf need immediate help. There are many who worry about having to pay rent and buy food. It is absolutely necessary that special schemes are to be prepared for rehabilitation of those who have lost their jobs. The need of the hour is to reach out to our people who toil in foreign countries to develop our country!    

Good Friday: The Human Hope for A Better World

P C  THOMAS

Since the title itself is self-explanatory, let me come straight to the point. Now we are in the ‘CORONA Era’ where the world is facing one of the greatest challenges the human history has ever faced.  If we study history, we can see many epidemics ravaged humanity throughout its existence. And in 2020, the COVID-19 malady is spreading across the Globe geometrically. No society is spared whether national or regional or local.

The Latin word 'Corona' means crown. It is said that the name is derived from the fact that these viruses can be seen like a crown through electron microscope. However, these corona situations made many crowns in the human life and taught him many lessons.

In the modern world, many have doubted whether power is great or money is, but we have learnt now that these are not at all great compared to this contaminating virus. We have now seen radical changes taken place in the world due to corona virus and its devastating effects.

Cities and streets are silent, marriage, festivals and meetings are postponed. Churches, temples, mosque, pilgrim centers, tourist attractions, theaters, fitness centers, night clubs, beauty parlors saloons are shut until further notice.  Airports are seen empty; voyage is prohibited. Crimes and killings seem to have declined. Work of mercy has increased in the world. There is less accidents, less pollution in the world, everyone in the world ate his/her own meals, and there is ample time for those who hardly found time for family and relatives. For the Christian faithful, their Good Friday, Easter are in their personal prayer at home.

In the midst of this, nations are proud of medical help of the human fraternity at large. Big salute to Police force, doctors, nurses and helping hands who are extending their noble work without break or rest in spite of the crisis and risk involved in their own lives. Police personnel have been working tirelessly for protecting and helping people worldwide and we do not have sufficient words to express our gratitude.  

During the Good Friday and Easter prayers inside home, let us specially pay tributes for the front-line workers such as doctors, nurses, hospital staff, police force and social workers who are helping to keep society going amid the crisis. Let us pray to the Almighty God to eradicate the malady from the world. Let us hope for a resurrection to the world. 

The Power of Coronavirus And Its Terrible Threats on Humanity

Shijumon Thottupurathu

While the COVID-19, in the name of Coronavirus is making its world tour, we are called to keep away or to isolate ourselves from their visits!

Those who have welcomed them by shaking hands, with hugs and particularly with unhygienic approach, have felt how powerful the coronavirus is! As a result of their world-tour, we have a very special, historical and critical year!

We know that the world is passing through a traumatic moment with a very serious health problems, economic crisis and psychological imbalance. Fear has taken control of many who trusted in themselves, their materials or possessions and in their powers. The normal life of everyone is affected everywhere.

Biblically after the flood at the time of Noah, coronavirus could be the worst affected to the entire world, even the World Wars were limited among the countries. The tsunamis, floods, droughts, fires, various epidemics, etc., were limited to some places and the rest of the life went on normal. But this pandemic gave us the famous saying: STAY AT HOME.

This is difficult but is not a lost because it is an opportunity to strengthen the bond of family life to help one another in the family tasks. Likewise, together in the family to call upon the God you worship, to open the eyes to see that we need each other.

The coronavirus didn’t come selecting people with white, brown or dark skin.... The coronavirus didn’t separate the rich, the poor and the powerful..... The coronavirus doesn’t search for the beast and the beauty or for the appearance......

The coronavirus is not partial to any particular type of religion or political parties.... The coronavirus needs no passport and visa – it has a free entry to everywhere..... The coronavirus has no language of its own, but it can communicate to anyone!!

This pandemic has taught us who we are WITHOUT GOD. It doesn’t matter which God we wordship. If we have Faith in God and if we live up to the teachings of our God, then we know that we all are EQUALS. We are just brothers and sisters to one another.

Realizing the powerful hand of God and His presence in this world, let’s not fight for: -money, materials or arms; race, creed or language; powers, pleasures or drugs, etc.  Rather, let’s grow spiritually by doing what is right and just each day. Let’s help others to grow joyfully. 

Let’s not be worried because Our God will take care of us; not the technology, nor the medicines: Our God is our PROTECTOR. 

Author Profile: Shijumon Thottupurathu is born and brought up in Kerala, India. After his high school study, he responded the call of God for the priestly life. He did his Salesian Seminary formation at Kolkata & Darjeeling (West Bengal) and Tura & Shillong (Meghalaya). Having been made his first profession as a Salesian Religious on 24 May 1998 he was ordained a priest on 27 December 2007. He has worked in the province of Kolkata for almost 4 years as a priest; at the faculty of Computer Science at Salesian College Sonada, Darjeeling, and at the same time as an Assistant Pastor at St. Theresa Parish, Sonada. Then he was appointed at St. Albert's Home at Monshada (West Bengal).

Since October 2011, he served in the Salesian Province of Central America & Panama (CAM), as a missionary. The Province consists of six countries - Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama. He worked at San Benito, Peten, Guatemala for three years. 

In 2016-2018, he rendered his service at Nuevo Laredo & Tijuana in Mexico, working especially for the teenage migrants. Since 2019, he serves at the formation house at Guatemala City.