Days, months and now years passed as mankind fought relentlessly to overcome and to contain the global pandemic that has swept vigorously from precious human life to our daily news bulletin. The second wave of the new viral strain/variant however mutates and infects almost everyone and throughout all walks of life with much more aggressive symptoms and high fatality rate if exposed or infected.
The World Health Organization along with the Global government consistently works day and night to find the cure. A heartfelt gratitude to the scientific fraternity for being able to come up with a vaccine in a short span of time after passing human trials and posing no/ mild side effect on humans if shot with the jab.
India has emerged as a country with most numbers of cases. The second waves sweep through every nook and corner of the land. In spite of persistent acts by the Government issuing guidelines/ protocols and imposing regulations/restrictions and even lockdown in some states to curb the spread of the virus. However, the highly contagious virus accelerates the momentum infecting tens of thousands and taking thousands of precious lives daily. Each and every Hospitals/ care centers are filled with critical patients relying on life support.
Meghalaya has also faced the crisis with an increasing number of cases and fatality daily. Our State Government is giving its best in overcoming and containing the infections. Almost all strategic actions have been executed in all angles of the society. From containment measures to restrictions in Public movements the Government along with the District Administrations are fighting the battle. In Spite of all the sincerity and dedication of the Health workers, Frontline workers, Police and everyone associated with the situation, the virus still infecting each one of us unknowingly.
The Question of the hour that arises now, who is to be blamed? Is it the Government who continuously reminds its citizens to strictly and stringently follow and adhere to every guidelines? Or is it us the public who at times let our guard down taking the situation for granted. Well, in my point of view, I may say that our stupidity itself has caused us our life and the life of others.
Vaccination programme that has been notified by the government for all its residents from the age of 18 (eighteen years) and above in every health centre nearest to us. However, we the public fail to get our self registered and get the shot as recommended. Some say it’s of no use as the infection can still penetrate our immunity while some say they are scared of the side effects whereas others are getting busy with passing all the false rumours/ information about the vaccine dragging the simple minded people away from getting vaccinated. In market places as seen in the news/ media, we do not follow the guidelines, we do not wear our face mask at all times when we are outside, we do not avoid physical contact and we even commute daily in groups. How do we expect ourselves to be free of the virus?
As a veteran citizen I simply cannot sit and watch what has been happening around us. Yes, I am an old age person who has been vaccinated by the vaccine. I felt mild and had almost no side effects. However, the vaccine builds my inner confidence and enhances my spiritual immunity and resistance towards the virus. I appeal to all my beloved citizens of the State to get our self vaccinated, wear our face masks at all times, let stay for at least 6 ft away from each other and exercise social distancing at its best. Let us teach and learn from each other by following government guidelines and protocols at all times and all places. We are the solution to the infection. We can break the chain of infection if we all stay united in fighting the virus.
Do remember the words that say “God helps those who help themselves”. Let us help ourselves first and then only we can help others around us. I feel it’s true to say that “God prevents those who prevent themselves”, unless we prevent ourselves from the crisis. The pandemic will win over us and over humanity. Let’s protect ourselves because that is the only way we can protect our family, our neighbours, our society and our country. Worst case is, the infection does not come with a cure. It’s all on us.
