Different boats in the same storm

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Different boats in the same storm

Wednesday, 26 May 2021 | Avni Sablok

Different boats in the same storm

How the global pandemic reinforced the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'

Since the outbreak of the Corona virus in 2020, different waves have come to affect different countries in different ways and degrees. The impact of the second wave,which has recently hit India, is much greaterthan the first wave. India successfully managed to contain the virus vis-à-vis- the more developed countries, including US and Europe, in the first wave.In this prolonged phase of global pandemic, what are the main lessons that the global community has come to learn, particularly from Indian initiatives? During the first wave, India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi not only succeeded in tiding the challenge but also providedmedical and other assistance to more than 150 countries. And vaccine to 95 countries. Such gestures display the true spirit and strength of Indians and that India cares for the world apart from protecting her own interests. This is a way of reinforcing the Indian philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family). In the first wave, the response of the international community towards India's initiatives was positive. The second wave of the pandemic, unanticipated as it is, engulfed India in an overwhelming manner.Given the virulence of the virus, a high number of people got infected in the second wave within a short time. As India grappled with shortage of essential medical requirements during the second wave, there weremany criticisms on the way India addressed the situation.

One has to consider, and even take a relook, at many aspects of the situation. First,many developed countries, including US, though possessing advanced infrastructure found it tough to address the situation in the initial phase of the first wave.Implied, given the virulent nature and transmission rate of the virus, infrastructural needs are falling short to tackle the situation everywhere, including India. Critics opine that vaccine diplomacy has impaired India's interests.It should not be overlooked that the assistance that many countries received on account of India's Vaccine Maitri facilitated the process of vaccination in the world. This ensured the shared goal of creating equal and affordable access tomedicines and vaccines, particularly for people living in the world's poorest countries-a reflection of the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.

As India reels under the second wave, many leaders, including Australian Prime Minister and US President, applauded generosity displayed by India. Following India's footsteps, a number of countries have come forward to provide help to India, including Australia, US, Germany, Saudi Arabia, France, UK, Kazakhstan, Singapore and others. Since the last week of April when the pandemic situation in India turned serious, India received international assistance in the form of supplies such as ventilators and oxygen concentrators and medicine. There is no doubt that the global pandemic has provided valuable lessons to the entire humanity. Challenges in contemporary times are becoming more complex and cannot be addressed solely by any single country. It requires collective efforts of all countries. As such any act of compassion can go a long way to save the family. Undoubtedly, India has shown the world the path of compassion and to openly embrace the world as a family, which is the core philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. Now, the world has come to realize that the global pandemic warrants collective and coordinated efforts.

(The author is Senior Researcher, Public Policy Research Centre, New Delhi. The views expressed are personal.)

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