Page 19 - Issue 01

COVID-19 THE

INVISIBLE VICIOUS FOE

NAMRATA GULATI & CHANDNI NANDA

Covid-19 has affected our lives in a way never before. It has touched us in many unprecedented ways, far
beyond what we could imagine. When it first invaded our territory, we were complacent and perhaps many

of us refused to even acknowledge its arrival. We did not give to it the attention it was seeking. Slowly and
steadily, it started spreading its tentacles and made everyone acknowledge that; we can’t trivialize its
existence. Soon everyone was engulfed in fear that this invisible and potentially invincible enemy might
embrace us anywhere, and we may not even get to know about it. This fear was there amongst everyone;
rich or poor, male or female, child or adult. It assaulted everyone with equal dignity without discriminating
on the basis of caste, religion, gender, or wealth. This virus was completely oblivious of the deep-rooted

differences in human society which have prevailed for ages.

But we were differently prepared to defend ourselves from this onslaught. We all started taking refuge in
our shelters to guard ourselves, and our near and dear ones. Some of us, called upon the inner strength and
courage to face the challenge. Some of us were more materially resourceful to withstand the attack and
refused to be trampled by the unseen foe. Depending upon both our external and internal wealth and
wisdom, we made a conscious decision not to wander in the unknown terrain where this enemy was more

dominating – like the overcrowded place. But many were overpowered by the circumstances. They had no
liberty to make choices –which could save them, keep their families secure or make them stronger. Apart
from this tangible external attack on health, this enemy was quietly seeking to change the way we conduct
our lives. The entire economic machinery was up for a toss. The deep-rooted human relations were
challenged.

But, all of us were willing to take on the fight and were reluctant to give up so easily. Many of us had to
make adjustments which we could never think of, but we were ready for this fierce battle not just for
ourselves but also for the sake of those whom we held close in our hearts. We also felt the presence of an
unseen force that was binding us together and making us more empathetic. We took this as an opportunity
to serve others.

Given our uniqueness, each one of us had a different tale to share about the sacrifices we made and the

changes we accepted. A story that varied depending upon our internal strength, the courage we derived
from our relations, from our resources, and from the agencies which were around to help us out.
Who are the people who emerged undefeated? What were the factors which played a critical role in
announcing their victory? How did the external agency help those who were not strong enough to defend
themselves? Was the help granted equitable or some people, based on caste, creed, and gender victim of

some form of prejudice? How effective was this external support? Did this unseen

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