Life in
the era of COVID-19
Published on April 19, 2020
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.
I have also been adapting
to these changes. Most meetings, be it with minister colleagues, officials and
world leaders, are now via video conferencing.
In order to get ground
level feedback from various stakeholders, there have been videoconference
meetings with several sections of society. There were extensive interactions
with NGOs, civil society groups and community organisations. There was an
interaction with Radio Jockeys too.
Besides that, I have been
making numerous phone calls daily, taking feedback from different sections of
society.
One is seeing the ways
through which people are continuing their work in these times. There are a few
creative videos by our film stars conveying a relevant message of staying home.
Our singers did an online concert. Chess players played chess digitally and
through that contributed to the fight against COVID-19. Quite innovative!
The work place is getting
Digital First. And, why not?
After all, the most
transformational impact of Technology often happens in the lives of the poor.
It is technology that demolishes bureaucratic hierarchies, eliminates middlemen
and accelerates welfare measures.
Let me give you an
example.
When we got the opportunity
to serve in 2014, we started connecting Indians, especially the poor with their
Jan Dhan Account, Aadhar & Mobile number. This seemingly simple connection
has not only stopped corruption and rent seeking that was going on for decades,
but has also enabled the Government to transfer money at the click of a button.
This click of a button has replaced multiple levels of hierarchies on the file
and also weeks of delay.
India has perhaps the
largest such infrastructure in the world. This infrastructure has helped us
tremendously in transferring money directly and immediately to the poor and
needy, benefiting crores of families, during the COVID-19 situation.
Another case in point is
the education sector. There are many outstanding professionals already
innovating in this sector. Invigorating technology in this sector has its
benefits. The Government of India has also undertaken efforts such as the
DIKSHA Portal, to help teachers and boost e-learning. 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.
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.
I envision this new
business and work culture being redefined on the following vowels.
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.
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.
Embracing digital payments
is a prime example of adaptability. Shop owners big and small should invest in
digital tools that keep commerce connected, especially in times of crisis.
India is already witnessing an encouraging surge in digital transactions.
Another example is
telemedicine. We are already seeing several consultations without actually
going to the clinic or hospital. Again, this is a positive sign. Can we think
of business models to help further telemedicine across the world?
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.
We should perhaps think of
models where productivity and efficiency matter more than appearance of effort.
The emphasis should be on
completing a task in the specified time frame.
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.
We are in this
together.
Unlike previous moments in
history, when countries or societies faced off against each other, today we are
together facing a common challenge. The future will be about togetherness and
resilience.
The next big ideas from
India should find global relevance and application. They should have the
ability to drive a positive change not merely for India but for the entire
humankind.
Logistics was previously
only seen through the prism of physical infrastructure – roads, warehouses,
ports. But logistical experts these days can control global supply chains
through the comfort of their own homes.
India, with the right blend
of the physical and the virtual can emerge as the global nerve centre of
complex modern multinational supply chains in the post COVID-19 world. Let us
rise to that occasion and seize this opportunity.
I urge
you all to think about this and contribute to the discourse.
The shift from BYOD to WFH
brings new challenges to balance the official and personal. Whatever be the
case, devote time to fitness and exercising. Try
Yoga as a means to improve physical and mental wellbeing.
Traditional medicine
systems of India are known to help keep the body fit. The Ayush Ministry has
come out with a protocol that would help in staying healthy. Have a look at
these as well.
Lastly,
and importantly, please download Aarogya Setu Mobile App. This is a futuristic
App that leverages technology to help contain the possible spread of COVID-19.
More the downloads, more its effectiveness.
Will wait to hear from you
all…
