COVID 19 and the Durga Puja

With the Durga Puja about a fortnight away, the city of Kolkata is decking-up though not the way we are used to seeing her over the years. The atmosphere is quite subdued this time around. The advertisement hoardings are yet to be jostling for space and the FM channels have till now spared the loyal listeners from incessant bombardment of advertisements. Probably they will, a few days from now. However, what has indeed been the point of debate in the town is whether strict restrictions should have been imposed this year given the delicate situation concerning COVID 19.

What Kerala is experiencing in the aftermath of Pongal and Maharashtra after the Ganpati Puja, is there something for us to learn from? The answer is an unequivocal ‘yes’. While the cases of COVID infected persons have skyrocketed in Kerala due to laxity of crowd management during Pongal yet the situation in Maharashtra has not spiraled out-of-control post Ganpati Puja due to restrictions. This is what experts seem to suggest based on facts and figures.

It seems Bengal is inclined to follow the ‘Kerala Model’. Words of caution and learning from others’ mistakes seem to have fallen on deaf ears. One may hope that good sense prevails for the sake of safety of large section of the society. An odd dot ball, as we say in cricket, need not be construed as a failure. Not considering so is.

A matter of trust

In pursuit of worldly goals – personal and/ or professional – we need to work closely in association with individual(s) who may be known, or unknown. Therefore, when we undertake a journey of collaboration for achieving a goal the underlying belief is that the collaborator is trustworthy.

In the context of Porosh this is extremely relevant. With restrictions on travelling over the past six months and more so when it comes to international travel children of senior citizens who are staying alone in Kolkata often contact us. Obviously, they seek our help in rendering necessary medical and non-medical services for their parents. Many of them have enrolled with us as members during this period after speaking to us either over phone, or though video calls. Come to think of it, is it not strange? Normally, one would have expected them to meet us in person and visit our office to assess Porosh’s credibility. But no more. This is where an implicit trust on the organization and its members come into play.

One may contend that during such unprecedented times is there any other option? Quite true. But when within 2/ 3 months Porosh receives requests to shoulder additional responsibilities of running a household (from purchase of grocery to bank work) due to inability of the senior citizens to do so it means something more. We become accountable. So, from where does trust generate? We believe the answer lies in the values Porosh tries to live upto – honesty, agility, commitment and quality. Unless we walk the talk values will sound hollow and naturally, trust will be a casualty.

POROSH & ELDER CARE SERVICES IN KOLKATA

Elder care services in Kolkata is still in its nascent stage. Established and reputed organizations in the city are considered as torchbearers for providing services to the senior citizens of Kolkata in a professional manner. Such organizations have rendered yeomen service by making Kolkatans aware that old age is not a curse for those whose children are away from their parents due to professional commitments.

We in Porosh feel the number of concerns who are operating in this landscape are too few in number given the surging need for elder care services. However, it comes with a caveat. There is a high possibility that a few may be tempted to earn quick bucks by looking at it as a sound business proposition. As a result, the spirit of serving senior citizens will become a casualty. Needless to add, this will make them and their children wary of availing such services. That will indeed be unfortunate. So, what should be the approach? Porosh can share a few points based on its experience:

a) ‘Genuine’ personal touch works wonder

b) Promising less, delivering more

c) Honesty pays. It helps on winning confidence of the members.

d) Transparency in pricing the services (no hidden cost)

e) Designing packages in a manner which are easy to understand

f) Walking the extra mile during emergency

g) Treating members as one’s own parents

These are some of the basic principles, which if adhered to, can create a healthy ecosystem where the service providers and seekers can live happily and peacefully. Mutual trust can be fostered as well. Who knows it may turn Kolkata an ideal destination for the senior citizens to settle-down during the twilight years. Kolkata can very be a trend-setter.