From all the kind concerned messages I’m getting from friends overseas, it’s clear that the whole world is seeing the visuals from Delhi.
Yesterday I heard from so many friends – from Mauritius, the UK, France – all worried about us.
I don’t really know what to say. Other than “thank you.”
We sit here, hunkered down in our home.
Safe.
For now.
As I type, I’ve just seen from Twitter that another Delhi friend has tested positive.
But, thank God, we are all safe.
For now.
Himmat and I haven’t set foot outside the house since lockdown started last Friday, and the staff go out only briefly to walk the dogs.
So we all feel safe.
For now.
The news is a relentless tide of horror.
Twitter has by & large stopped being its usual vicious self for once, and has instead become a Covid resource – people asking for help, for advice, for info re beds and oxygen and meds.
It is a terrible, shocking collapse and when I think back to the triumphalism of our elected leaders just a few weeks ago, my blood boils.
This extraordinary comment, below, is from the excellent “The Telegraph”, one of the few Indian papers prepared to stand up and speak the truth.
Read this, please.
Every word.
I am STUPIFIED at the thought that religious pilgrimages are supposedly taking place in the coming weeks.
How can people even consider going on a pilgrimage?
Putting themselves, their families and, if they get sick, doctors at risk.
How DARE they?
Is there no end to people’s stupidity and selfishness?
And before any troll tells me to “go back to your own country,” I repeat what I have said here before.
THIS IS MY COUNTRY DAMMIT, AND I HAVE AS MUCH RIGHT AS THE NEXT PERSON TO FEEL SCARED AND ANGRY.
ANGRY AT THE CRASS MISMANAGEMENT OF THIS CRISIS.
ANGRY AT THE ONGOING STUPIDITY OF PEOPLE WHO THINK GOING ON A PILGRIMAGE IS OK.
And before anyone starts accusing me of “hurting their religious sentiments”, there’s a pilgrimage that I’ve been planning for years, but I would no further think of going on a pilgrimage right now, than I’d go out partying.
I can’t sugar-coat this, dear reader.
The situation here is dire.
And yes, you’re right – after all these weeks of trying to stay breezy and up-beat here, I’m afraid the mask has slipped today.
Sorry.
But these are unprecedented, frightening times.
I cry over my morning paper.
I cry when I read stories of desperation online.
And I (almost) have no anger left when I see things like this:
Glad that you are safe…awful situation…..take care…. ??xx
I’ve had you & yours – and India – very much in my thoughts, Christine! The Covid situation has been terrible the world over, but particularly so in India now. I can so understand your anger and frustration with the total arrogance of certain politicians. It is shocking! Modi’s unforgivably blind attitude echos that of Bolsonaro, Putin, Erdogan and Trump last year.
Thinking of you and hoping things will improve soon. xx
Take care love stay safe and remember your in are thoughts always here in Canada
Glad to hear you are safe – but it is all over our news here, how dire the situation in India is – so sorry!
I was thinking of you guys
We hd a surge this month n it has bn really scary!i was not even this scared last year bt these variants are vicious!
Terrifying situation… sad sad world!
Also, Pfizer — the maker of the best Covid-19 vaccine — applied for EUA in India first, and the Modi govt rejected it. Now, after cases has spiked, the Centre wants Pfizer. A little foresight and planning would have saved a lot of lives.
India’s Covid policy was framed by the Centre, treatment protocols were formed by the Centre, and as we know from the Delhi HC order, oxygen allocation is also the responsibility of the Centre. Given the extent of centralisation of government in the PMO, the blame lies on Modi, whether his bhakts like it or not.
BBC reported if you have had 1 vax either of AZ or Pfizer study has shown 65% protection from catching Covid. So you and your household should be fairly safe, but the effect on on those who have not been able to get a vaccine is appalling. Like the UK in Nov/Dec/Jan it isn’t as tho this wasn’t predicted and could have been avoided. And yes if you take the kudos as a leader for successes in gvmt you have to take the shame of disasters as well.
Penny Winter Fingers crossed the younger staff & children will get vaccinated next week, when they open up to everyone over 18.
with the best bureaucrats in the world at it’s disposal including those who came in via lateral entry is this only what the regime can do…? I pity our country who does not have any democratic institution left which can think independent of it’s political head not even the Army
Nigel Britto all govts ..had that time ..but noone cared …only centre cant be blamed …for a states …condition what were state . govt busy in ..media ..advertisements …so its ..all ..same in the game ..be it centre or state govt
Nidhi Gupta actually when he centralised decision making, no one else should have carry that can.
The rallies are still being held by his party. The kumbh mela was brought forward by a year. It should have been next year. And of course every vaccine cert has a picture of him!
Glad you spoke up too.
Stay safe Christine.
Modi, he is single-handedly responsible for this carnage
I don’t know, Mona. Honestly. Just feel so angry & sad at the horrors we see. Between posting this & replying to you, heard that yet another friend has tested positive
This anger should be directed where?
Modi, he is single-handedly responsible for this carnage
Nigel Britto only him?
Yes. His government had a year to prepare for this, and they did nothing. In Jan-Feb, he took credit for the drop in cases. It’s only fair that now, he takes the blame.
Nigel Britto one person cant be responsible in a losing and winning game of life and death .its the entire political system ..and corrupt…ppl ..who at this hour also want to earn money ..out of emergencies … ..
Nigel Britto all govts ..had that time ..but noone cared …only centre cant be blamed …for a states …condition what were state . govt busy in ..media ..advertisements …so its ..all ..same in the game ..be it centre or state govt
Nidhi Gupta actually when he centralised decision making, no one else should have carry that can.
The rallies are still being held by his party. The kumbh mela was brought forward by a year. It should have been next year. And of course every vaccine cert has a picture of him!