We are all impacted by Covid-19, in one way or another, no matter where we are in the World and where in the age spectrum we sit. However some of us are at higher risk –for instance older people and people with severe underlying health conditions. Some of us are more impacted than others due to individual, community or geographical circumstances. The coronavirus, a pandemic has made us realize that we all are connected and this entire World is a family. Although connected, medical experts have suggested social distancing as one of the perfect solution to fight against the new evil. The one thing that surely must cut across all these levels is being overwhelmed with the constant influx of information and misinformation both on and offline. You see, hear, read one thing and before you have a second to grasp it, you are flooded by completely different set of information. I bet, we all are also experiencing multiple stage of panic, paramecia, fear, uncertainty and disbelief or even denial! “How could this happen “or “this could never happen to me”? It is happening to us, all of us and all of us together. But mostly it’s compounding the already uncertain future that young people face today.
Covid-19, now classified as a pandemic by World Health Organization (WHO), a new disease for which people don’t have immunity to-is spreading around the World beyond expectations. However the crisis shouldn’t be call to panic, regardless of how tough that might be under the circumstances. There is a reason to organize ourselves better. Young people always ask, how can we change the World? How can we be part of what is going on in the World? What is the young people’s role in global challenges? Well, there is no time like now for young people to do what they do best: self-organize, self-mobilize and come together no-bars-held just like you have in the biggest crisis of all- climate change. Youth in India constitute about more than one-fourth of total population. They, as a responsible youth of this country should participate in this battle against the zoonotic disease. Come together in global solidarity. We all know distress happens, whether it be natural distress or global pandemics but usually they don’t hit so close to home for most of us and hence we successfully “otherwise” them to another part of the world or to another community somewhere far away from us. But with the Covid-19s, ‘forest fire’, nature, it’s better to take preventive measures and be geared to respond immediately. Let’s understand the role of youths in this battle against Corona. To name some of them from the canvas of history- Lenin, the Russian youth had a major contribution to the Russian revolution. Likewise, Mazzini &Bhagat Singh also contributed their role for the country. This battle can be won by helping the government in this time of exigency instead of erecting barricades in nook & corner everywhere.
Here are something you as a youth can do in this time of global solidarity. As a precursors to the pointers on what to do as a young person in times of the Covid-19 pandemic, the most important and urgent step is to be rational, to exercise calm and reason in all situations. Now this can be particularly tough in countries with a lockdown situations. This is when it is key to take heart in resilience as a community and opportunity to use social media as a tool for community therapy and communications with each other on a positive note of solidarity- as opposed to one of panic. We can spread the right awareness in our friends, family, XYZ etc, 24×7 WhatsApp’s group with the right information about the virus. WhatsApp’s/ social media group always have as much as traffic on our roads. To learn from social media solidarity over the climate crisis where movements sparked worldwide to support the cause and show young people’s resilience. Now, before a deep dive into specifically what you all can do, start by applying particularly and common sense and follow simple pointers to manage the Covid-19 and also come together as a resilient global community: (i) follow simple and routine WHO’s guidelines of properly wash your hands more often, avoid crowded space, avoid handshaking, if you are sick, wear a mask and seek medical attention immediately. (ii) Educate your families, friends and community by spreading community awareness online and offline (iii) Find opportunity to volunteer in your community, if there are older people or immunocompromised people, help them out. Help out vulnerable people in your community to pick up their groceries and medicine.(iv)Healthcare workers around the World are all called to work in high demand and they might need your help looking after their children or looking after their parents while they attend to life-saving works in clinics and hospitals around the World. (v) Find a reliable charity to donate. You can also support other campaigns such as “Stand together to beat Coronavirus”.(vi) Advocating free testing, reliable information, paid sick leave, investigates Science and universal health coverage. (vii) Hold your government accountability.
Every religious activity has been on halt in lieu of Corona-virus outbreak, still we see any of the gathering around. It’s our responsibility to guide and report if required. The constitution of India, is the holy book for every Indian citizens and every –order must be accepted as a commandment. We live in a democratic country and we have every right to put our thoughts on the table but this is the time to unite and stand with our government. Admittedly, there is much blot about being tested positive for Covid-19 and facing quarantine for a couple of week(s). But “whatever gets measured gets managed”. If the positive cares are effectively measured, we shall be able to contain the outbreak effectively. So it’s our responsibility to spread the right kind of awareness within the family, society, acquaintances rather than wasting time on optional stuff. The outbreak of Corona-virus has also affected the mental health of humans as everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. So in this hour of stress/anxiety, let’s spread the right knowledge, right humors, and right videos and ensure them that we are going to win this battle. To understand better, it is not the Corona-virus which is dangerous but it is the quick spread which is a threat. We need young people’s leadership now more than ever. Most of all, in doing all of this; stay healthy and stay safe. Listen to health authorities, stay alert and keep a calm open mind. Stay tuned to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more updated on how to stay on top of Covid-19 for well-being of your loved ones, your community and yourselves and inspirational stories of young people contributing to the global response. We can fight this together.
