When will we go back to Normal Life?

PC  THOMAS

When COVID-19 is causing a massive shake-up of our daily lives, a major question that comes up in everyone’s mind today is “When are we going to return to normal life”? We have to find out new keywords to optimize the situation. Even when the Vaccine is experimentally advanced to reach out, it will roughly take about six months to get it injected into our blood.  In any case, when we are ready to immunize ourselves with the vaccine, it would perhaps be hard for all the people to manage the cost of the medicine unless the Government assumes the liability of 135-Crore Indians. Read more  PC Thomas Articles

The fundamental factor would also reveal to us that for a nation like India, which is densely populated where people are not prepared enough to be restrained, it will be extremely hard to keep up social distancing until we are disciplined enough to  make it a part of our day to day living culture.

In our normal way of thinking, we may presume that we can achieve zero-coronavirus population by conducting tests of every one going from home to home. When the civic administration is searching for Covid patients through the left side, real patients are running away from the right side, and vice versa. Then, what can be done?  Like we have done for Aadhar implementation and Voter id-card exercise, are we able to do a corona test on every resident in a phased manner?

Every resident of this nation should demand a test from the government right now than anything else. Of course, a caution is needed. Two difficult factors still remain: not increasing the testing rates and the government’s denial of community spread. Recovery rates do spiral because that is the natural course during a pandemic. However, we would not find out more new cases unless we test more. Until and unless all citizens are completely tested, what is the answer for these terrible circumstances we have just fallen into?

Already, voices are rising in nations like the USA against the Government's deferral in understanding the seriousness of the issue and now the administration is openly admitting that their framework was not set up to face such a consequence.

In India, we seem to be more interested in trumpeting about what we do in combating the pandemic and showing off the social help we are giving during the lockdown than to confront the situation with earnestness and discipline. In any case, would we say  that we are posing difficult queries  or that we are not prepared to address the enquiry - how long do we need to be in lockdown?

The time has come to settle on hard options, create a middle path with respect to the public. The challenge, when all said than done, is - how would you cause the citizens to make the best decision to follow guidelines when they are not familiar with following civic rules. Considering the gravity of the situation, the main way out is to communicate and conscientize the people about the need to follow the instructions through various governmental agencies to keep themselves safe ceaselessly and consistently. We have to attempt to do the best, and then we will survive! Stay safe! This article published in Metro Vaartha on 3.8.20- Stay updated with the Best Blog PC Thomas

Covid-19: Alarming situation on the employment front!

PC THOMAS

The employment sector in India is facing the brunt of the global pandemic that is jeopardizing the future of employers and employees. Loss of jobs has aggravated the problem as most employment sectors from lower economic backgrounds.

Due to the coronavirus crisis, millions of Indians have lost their jobs and keep on stressing as the pandemic circumstance in India appears to exacerbate. But, even as rising coronavirus cases and unpredictable lockdowns undermine India's business recuperation rate, the recent official data came into the light on new jobs in July gives another ray of hope.

As per data released by the Centre for Monitoring India Economy (CMIE), there had been further advancement in job situation in July and a further decrease in the joblessness rate. Urban employment openings are also on the rise. While the gain in July has not been any place close to June, however, there has been an improvement in job numbers. The CMIE research organization earlier forecast a fall in the employment rate in July.

In the last weekend July 19, the urban employment rate recuperated to 35.1-percent, which is the   most elevated rate after the maximum fall in April. According to CMIE, the rate had expanded to 34.5-pc in the week ended June 28, but decreased to 33.2-pc in the first week of July. From the past week, more employments are being included in urban India landscape which brings something relief to millions of individuals who are still searching for a job in a fairly lukewarm market. Essential services and service sector jobs have additionally hurled on different job portals like Noukari.com. Because of the sharp ascent in cases, the situation keeps on staying uncertain; most experts anticipate a sharp angular recuperation in employment if the trend continues.

Set aside from the statistics of CMIE, however, it is obvious that a damaging impact on an economy as large as India's caused due to a complete lockdown cannot be overemphasized. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), a leading industry association of India, earlier in April released its finding that 100-million and more Indian Jobs are at risk after COVID-19 lockdown.  Therefore, how the economists and entrepreneurs react the issue on employment is still in the realm of speculation like the forecast of Metrological department – “there is chance of heavy rain and NO rain today”.

Social distancing brought about employment misfortunes, explicitly those Indian society’s lower financial layers. Numerous households terminated domestic help services – basically an unorganized monthly-paying service. Most Indians invested a large amount of time involving in household tasks themselves, making it the most widely practiced lockdown action.

As a matter of fact, these are the nervous times for job hunters amid pandemic, particularly for newbie entrants into the rat tap cage. But not getting a job is not the end of the world.  In the situation of crisis, there still lie many opportunities. Many would not get their dream jobs or big pay-perks straight out of the gate, yet given time, they can rethink themselves and set themselves for a better long term future. This article published in Metro Vaartha on 1.8.20- Stay updated with the Best Blog PC Thomas

Faithful wary of reopening of Holy Places

P C  THOMAS

The permission of reopening of Holy Places in the unlock 1.0 has snowballed into a controversy as various faithful have alleged that the government’s decision needs revision.  With reference to my article appeared in Metro Vaartha, June-10, many have expressed their opinion that in the wake of the virus looming on the horizon, it is not at all safety to worship in the shrines, therefore raising green-flag for the opening needs a rethink.

From the Hindu community, the famous blogger Sudesh Kumar DJV, shares – “according to me, religion is a _Lakhmanarekha_ to one and all to prevent oneself from wrong doings. Opening of places of worship at this juncture are prone to invite for troubles.  Fortunately, God can see and even hear our silence. Then why this haste in opening the places of worship now, which help paves another way for community spread leaving the entire country into trouble?” 

From the Muslim community Abdul Farhan Shakoor, Indore, shares, “As all other places are opening with proper guidelines and precautions, places of worship should be open for private prayers at least. At the same time, it is also risky, who knows who the virus carrier is!”

The other excerpts from the Christian faith are:-  Anish Joseph, school teacher, Indore shares -  “This Covid situation can be held indicative of what we are, in fact the whole world is facing. Jerusalem is the place of worship of Jews. Yet, Jesus states a time is coming when you no longer will worship the lord in the temples. I believe we need to hold on to this saying. It’s not the place of worship that matters rather the state of the worship. What good do we intend to do now by thronging to the religious places and becoming the agents of the deadly pestilence?”

Mrs Thomas, School teacher, Indore shares-“During this time of test, it is better to worship God at home.  Every faithful should be aware that the number of patients is terrifyingly high in India, hence it is the obligation of the believers to take necessary precautions in order to contribute to the survival and security of society in which they live”.

Fr. Byju Antony, Kerala priest reflects, “It is obvious that the Covid epidemic has invited every believer to come out of our own established structures and customs, - which we ourselves have bound on us - to Worship and Love God in Spirit and Truth.   It is also a time to show our solidarity with the world in co-operating to re-establish a healthy community and society again”.

To conclude, as restrictions on gatherings lifted around the world, the prime concern for common people is whether this is the right time to reopen temples, churches and mosques – all of which are connected with large crowds – when the country is witnessing a quick rise in Covid-19 case!

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!.

Bravely Metting the Covid Challenge

P C THOMAS

On this International Nurses Day, Tuesday 12th May, we want to celebrate with appreciate all our noble nurses who work hard every day, while the Nurses community today is waging war universally against COVID-19, a foe as terrifying as any in the recorded human history.

Grappling with the pandemic and all its challenges, however, the nurses as well as doctors deserve special appreciation in their efforts in these Covid times. They are wonderfully doing their duties that exchange people’s lives each day.  

Here, some senior nurses in their nursing career would like to share their concern about the COVID crisis: -Nurses from around and beyond the city highlighted their hopes by sharing their concern about this pandemic COVID-19 crisis: One of the Nursing Award winners Mrs. Ancy Sebastian of Coral Hospital, Indore says: “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 plant my smile at the tip of the needle or at the heart of the patients”.

Mrs. Sheeba George of Asian Institute of Infertility Management, Indore shares: “It’s a time of great stress and uncertainty still nurses are rising to the occasion. Even during this pandemic, we are the front-line warriors and are facing innumerable challenges like long working hours, lack of proper sleep and rest and shortage of personal protective equipments and endless mental and emotional stress. Yet, the nursing community makes a lot of comprises and sacrifices in their personal and family lives for the well-being of the society amidst the Covid crisis”.

Mrs.Thressiamma George, the Nursing Excellence Award winner, having 38-years experience in nursing dedication, who works in Bose-Sirs hospital, Anickad, Kerala shares: “Despite Covid crises, I am going to hospital by walking over 2 kilo meters  to and fro to perform my duty to the best of my abilities and with devotion. So far I have not taken a single leave during the Covid times”.

In light of the above sharing by some of the nurses from their heart, let us salute our nurses with all our hearts and spirits. We may call this 2020, as the International Year of doctors & nurses and all other front-line workers in this Covid crisis as we celebrate the International Nurses Day!.

By PC Thomas - Click here