COVID-19 has become a routine household name in 2021, as it has been with us for quite some time. Still, it is somewhat feared but majorly neglected.
During a phone call, we often hear the deep, masculine, stern caller-tune voice of Mr. Amitabh Bachchan telling us not to be complacent, yet still, we let ourselves go astray.

Follow COVID- inappropriate behavior. There is a teen rebellious attitude somewhere hiding among us. Overcoming fear by showing unnecessary overconfidence is not a good attitude.

Why does this happen? This is because Fear does not cause long sustainable behavior. Use harsh punishment for a kid, Kid will behave as you want. Although this effect is instant, alas, temporary.

Similarly Fearing COVID during 1st wave and subsequently getting adjusted has led us to the devastating 2nd wave. But have we learned, unfortunately, no. Still, there is no frequent hand washing, no use of masks, and no social distancing.

Even the AIIMS-WHO report has hinted at a 3rd wave somewhere in July-August 2021. So, if 3 rd wave is coming then -Are we ready for it? During the 2nd wave, there was a dearth of oxygen supply and hospital beds. Till now almost 3 crores of India's population has been affected, fortunately, around 2.88 cr have recovered.

But India's population is 136.64 crores as per the 2019 report. So only 0.022% of the Indian population has been affected by COVID and 3.6% of the population is vaccinated to date(22/6/2021). It took 95% for Measeles to develop herd immunity, it is estimated around 70% population should be affected/vaccinated to develop herd immunity for COVID.

So we hugely still lack resources for the anticipated 3rd wave.

"Prevention is better than cure" this aged adage couldn't be more apt in current times. This Pandemic has taught us a lot of things-

1. We can survive with a little. we don't need to gormandize on outside food or having a shopping frenzy attitude.
2. Family comes first. In times of pandemic, the true meaning of family
has emerged.
3. DIY- Do it yourself- Many things can be done by us, we don't need to rely on others. So now that we have noted the silver lining on the black cloud, we shouldn't forget the black cloud itself.

We should follow simple 'SMS'- Social distancing, Mask, Sanitization rather than forwarding WhatsApp rumors. It is possible to have a bright future but it requires action today. Hence the today is called a 'Present' given to us by God.