Corona wave has beaten the ‘Modi wave’
Something is missing somewhere. Coronavirus was very much in the air when President Donald Trump visited India. Yet he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not maintain distance. What else can be said about more than one hug displayed by them? At present, this symbolic gesture is known as hug diplomacy. But thanks to coronavirus, it wouldn’t be surprising if it loses its cordiality and is more strongly associated with cold diplomacy. Whether or not this happens, Modi would have to restrain himself from indulging in this diplomatic practice of his, going overboard in hugging heads of other countries. Otherwise, it would be fairly comical if he moves forward with open arms and the other leader moves backwards, ducks him or does something else to avoid his hug.
Ironically, till date, he has primarily reserved his hug diplomacy for foreign leaders. And that too with a wide ear-to-ear smile. In contrast, the same hug is hardly given to leaders at home, including the closest of his political associates. Even the smile is not visible as often for them as it is when he shares the stage with leaders of other countries.
At present, however, given the dynamism with which coronavirus has crossed practically all borders and barriers, his Indian colleagues are perhaps grateful for not being the targets of his hugs. It matters little to them whether or not he smiles at them. They probably are extremely grateful for his choosing to always maintain a certain distance from them. Of course, this distance may have earlier been viewed primarily as a sign of his political arrogance. But now, they probably view it is as a useful, corona-safe distance.
Seriously, corona-invasion is gradually adding a new meaning to ways of life, politicking and also international relations. Almost everything but the corona-panic, coverage accorded to it by media as well as other means of communication, has suddenly slowed down. Staying at home also means spending more time glued to the small screen, whether it is the television, laptop or mobile phone. The alacrity with which messages are being exchanged regarding precautions, dangers, myths and so forth about this virus beats importance given to any other issue.
It beats even the peak reached by the Modi wave. Yes, this was primarily confined to India. Comparatively, the corona wave has been in headlines across the world for more than several weeks now. Also, a new importance has certainly been gained of how helpless human beings can suddenly be, when hit by what they cannot combat. Or rather, they can, but only by being extra cautious about hygiene, maintaining a distance from each other and remaining in isolation till this corona danger passes away.
On the one hand, ‘medical’ advice being circulated is about maintaining a distance from corona-positive cases. On the other, the negative approach being displayed towards corona patients cannot be ignored. While abroad, most patients have not kept their names under wraps; such is not the case in India. The old stereotyped mentality of treating corona patients as almost untouchables has surfaced here.
There is a difference in keeping a distance from them and in attaching a stigma to their being afflicted by this virus. But, sadly, this seems to be practiced here. At least, this is suggested by the ‘negative’ approach being displayed towards whoever may be a corona patient. One such person, who has been cured, was interviewed on television, with his face hidden. Clearly, this was suggestive of his not being willing to reveal his identity to others. This is not the question of simply his privacy but the fear of the ‘stigma.’
It may be recalled, decades ago, a similar stigma was associated with tuberculosis patients. Well, one cannot do anything about ailments which are communicable. At the same time, no patient invites any disease by his/her choice. Why attach a “stigma” to corona patients? Why view them only through a negative perspective as if they are totally responsible for the spread of this virus? Of course, there are a few odd cases of corona patients having cared little for passing on the same virus to others. Think of it from another angle. India has the second largest population in the world. Do you think it is possible to check each and every person, whether he/she is corona-positive/negative? Not at all.
In rural areas, while ‘news’ about a fever and/or virus has spread, awareness about it being communicable and maintaining a distance has not yet had much impact. Also, how much distance can the poor living in one-room houses really maintain from each other? They cannot probably afford masks and sanitisers for all members of the family.
It would perhaps make sense if some attention was paid to how the poor cope with this virus if it struck them. At present, they seem fairly safe and also confident that they won’t be infected. When questioned on his concern about this virus, a local electrician replied, “We don’t have anybody coming from abroad. It is only the rich and those returning from other countries who are being affected.” Should he be agreed with or not?
The same question can be posed for March 22, declared as ‘janata curfew’. The corona wave is certainly in the air but is not being viewed through the same lens by all. Interestingly, for all his concern about cleanliness (Swachh Bharat Abhiyan), Modi has not yet tagged coronavirus with it. Why?
The writer is a journalist with specialisation in communication studies and nuclear diplomacy. She is also the author of several books.