Day One




These are extraordinary times in my life. And also very meaningful. For the first time the transience of life is very palpable. No, I am not afraid of death. But, I don't wish to die from Covid-19. More than me, I am worried about my 84 yo mother. I don't want her to die alone on a hospital bed. And not getting a proper funeral subsequently. That is not the way for a well-lived life to end. This is what is happening in Italy currently. People in 80s are dying, alone, not surrounded by their loved ones. And nobody knows where they are being buried. This tragedy is unfolding not just because of a virus that is 120 nanometer long, but because the hospitals are not capable of handling the deluge of patients. Italy was unprepared. So is rest of the world. And this pattern is likely to be played out in country after country, unless we make personal sacrifices to slow down the spread of  the disease.

Lockdown began here today. It was not unexpected after yesterday's Janata Curfew. Section 144 has been imposed across entire Maharashtra. Local trains have been suspended. Offices are closed. Shops other than pharmacies are closed. Vegetables and fruits are freely available. And they are not overcharging. Police patrolcar reminds hawkers and customers to maintain safe distance. Grocery stores are not open. But Mahalakshmi was and I managed to stock up on coffee. This lockdown is not going to be till 31st March, as many uninformed people would want to believe. It could be upto 3 months. I have steeled my mind for 90 days. 

Sensex tanked almost 4000 points. But I am not perturbed. Market is bound to bounce back at the mere hint of a positive news. It is actually a good time to track some counters closely and consider buying them.

I have started this blog because these extraordinary times have to be documented. People may not believe that we lived through such anxiety and uncertainty. Getting a name for the blog wasn't easy. After trying out many options, most surprisingly pandemicpanacea was available for the picking. It is the title of my piece on vaccines for Outlook. 
Location: Mumbai

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