Life in the era of COVID-19

– By Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi .

There is SWAYAM, aimed at improving access, equity and quality of education. E-Pathshala, which is available in many languages, enables access to various e-books and such learning material: PM Shri Narendra Modi ji. #IndiaFightsCOVID19

It has been a topsy-turvy start to the third decade of this century. COVID-19 has brought with it many disruptions. 

Coronavirus has significantly changed the contours of professional life. 

These days, home is the new office. 

The Internet is the new meeting room.

For the time being, office breaks with colleagues are history. 

Today, the world is in pursuit of new business models. India, a youthful nation known for its innovative zeal can take the lead in providing a new work culture. 

PM said “I envision this new business and work culture being redefined on the following vowels”.

He added “I call them- vowels of the new normal- because like vowels in the English language, these would become essential ingredients of any business model in the post-COVID world”.

Seven points PM Modi urged everyone to follow to combat COVID-19

Adaptability: 

The need of the hour is to think of business and lifestyle models that are easily adaptable.

Doing so would mean that even in a time of crisis, our offices, businesses and commerce could get moving faster, ensuring loss of life does not occur. 

Efficiency:

Perhaps, this is the time to think of reimagining what we refer to as being efficient. 

Efficiency cannot only be about- how much time was spent in the office.

Inclusivity:

Let us develop business models that attach primacy to care for the poor, the most vulnerable as well as our planet. 

We have made major progress in combating climate change. Mother Nature has demonstrated to us her magnificence, showing us how quickly it can flourish when human activity is slower. There is a significant future in developing technologies and practices that reduce our impact on the planet. Do more with less.

COVID-19 has made us realise the need to work on health solutions at low cost and large scale. We can become a guiding light for global efforts to ensure the health and well being of humanity.

We should invest in innovations to make sure our farmers have access to information, machinery, and markets no matter what the situation, that our citizens have access to essential goods. 

Opportunity:

Every crisis brings with it an opportunity. COVID-19 is no different.

Let us evaluate what might be the new opportunities/growth areas that would emerge now.

Rather than playing catch up, India must be ahead of the curve in the post-COVID world. Let us think about how our people, our skills sets, our core capabilities can be used in doing so.

Universalism: 

COVID-19 does not see race, religion, colour, caste, creed, language or border before striking. 

Our response and conduct thereafter should attach primacy to unity and brotherhood. 

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