Learning is incomplete without its implementation
The rising cases of COVID-19 have been a concern for every Indian today. It was the same country that was lauded for its success during the first wave but today it is criticised for the way it handled the second wave. According to the latest Lancet editorial, India squandered its early successes in controlling COVID-19. It went on to add until April, the government's COVID-19 task force had not met in months. “The consequences of that decision are clear before us, and India must now restructure its response while the crisis rages.” These lines on Lancet brings us to a theme of the recently held ‘The Bombay Debate’ organised by the Free Press Journal, titled 'COVID-19 has taught us nothing'. This motion was debated by panellists from various walks of life. The knowledge partner for the session was Mogae Media and Red FM was the radio partner for the session. The session was divided into three parts: In favour of the motion 'COVID-19 has taught us nothing'; against the motion and judgment of the debate. The panellists for the session were (in alphabetic order) Anupria Goenka, Actor and Model; Mahesh Zagade, former Principal Secretary to the government of Maharashtra; Neeraj Hatekar, Professor of Econometrics (Retired) with Mumbai University; Dr Shashank Joshi, a Member of Maharashtra's COVID-19 Task Force; Smruti Koppikar, an Independent Journalist and Editor; Tista Sen, Regional Creative Director of Wunderman Thompson, South Asia; The judges for the debate were Alok Rai, Vice-Chancellor of Lucknow University; Harit Nagpal, MD and CEO of Tata Sky and Dr Praveer Sinha, MD and CEO of Tata Power. It was moderated by influencer, blogger and brand storyteller, Geeta Rao.