Hope is in the Air, But Don't Forget the Mask

By Narvijay Yadav: The winter chill is knocking on the door. Festivals have filled the atmosphere with hope. Restrictions are being lifted. Tourism is returning to normal. Foreign flights have got green signal. Movement of people between states has begun. Markets are buzzing with activities. The festivals of Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Dussehra and Durga Pooja were celebrated with pomp and show. Now Diwali is coming. Students are returning to their schools and colleges. There was a fear of power crisis due to shortage of coal, that too was averted by the promptness of the government. Minor problems remain in the power stations, which are likely to be resolved soon. Overall, Diwali will be bright and the markets will light up.

A fashion party in progress at NUA Cafe, Mohali

People roaming outside are no longer afraid of the Corona virus. Earlier the medical fraternity had expressed the fear of a third wave of Covid. It was expected during August-September, then in October-November. Currently, there is little chance of the third wave to come. The reason behind this confidence is the higher rate of vaccination, which is about to touch one billion mark soon. Around 70% of the adults in India have taken the first dose of vaccine. However, the number of people who have got both doses is merely 30%. The only chance of return of the virus is through the movement of foreigners or people without vaccination.

The absence of the third wave, lifting of Covid restrictions, allowing the foreign visitors and the recovery of the economy are few positive signals, giving hints of a better New Year. But caution is necessary.

People mostly remained indoors for over 18 months, lived under the fear of unknown dangers, or lost someone in family or friends. Everyone is excited now due to the pleasant change in weather, festivities and bustle of the markets. People are visiting their relatives. Have started travelling. In such a situation, the only danger is from overcrowded places and careless fellows. That is why, wearing a mask, maintaining a safe distance with others and washing or sanitizing hands is too important. There is a need to be careful and alert.

Newspapers are getting thicker day by day, due to advertisements – indicating a positive surge in the economy. More advertising, more production, more business, more employment – ​​ a change awaited for a long time. This has made the share markets bullish. Let’s hope for a better year ahead.

In a recent twitter chat by the Bloggers Alliance, Vikas Singh Chauhan, Director, Home Textile Exporters’ Welfare Association (HEWA), said that this decade belongs to India. There is an upward trend in exports. After the pandemic, foreign buyers are turning to India instead of China. The positive policies of the Government of India are also favoring the exporters. Foreign trade is booming because of Christmas. The export target of $ 400 billion can be achieved this year. Author Adite Banerjie believes that India has been able to build an image of a vaccine manufacturer and exporter. Many countries need the vaccine. We have not only been successful in improving our economy, but also contributed in creating an atmosphere of hope in the world.

HR expert LS Murthy says that the present time belongs to information technology. Top IT companies are making large scale recruitments. The skill development training sector is also active, because youths need new skills to improve their employability. Due to the upward growth in digital technology, the demand for IT professionals is increasing. According to a study by TeamLease, the attrition rate in the IT sector is on the higher side. The average attrition rate in the IT sector is 8.67%. The country is on the path of progress, but caution is equally important. 

    Narvijay Yadav is a senior journalist. Twitter @narvijayyadav