Small Is Beautiful – An alternative take on COVID-19

In the year 1973 EF Schumacher’s seminal book titled Small Is Beautiful: A Study of Economics as if People Mattered was released. When COVID-19 has left the entire globe reeling under its impact, analyses made by him about half-a-century ago may help us appreciate deeper reasons triggering the pandemic.

Schumacher had observed, “Already the environment is trying to tell us that certain stresses are becoming excessive. As one problem is being ‘solved’, ten new problems arise as a result of the first ‘solution’. … the new problems are not the consequences of incidental failure but of technological success.” If we are to believe that COVID-19 is a man-made virus,then cannot it not be attributed to technological success which has gone wrong? The above statement calls for deep introspection. Superficial arguments will only obfuscate what is obvious.

He went on to add further, “The developments of science and technology over the last hundred years have been such that the dangers have grown even faster than the opportunity.” Unless we are opinionated it should not be difficult to appreciate that unbridled technological innovation has brought upon humanity unfathomed uncertainty along with material comfort as a mere palliative. Hence, Schumacher cautioned about the need for a conscious and fundamental change in the direction of scientific effort. What is it resulting in?

He contended, “Every increase of needs tends to increase one’s dependence on outside forces over which one cannot have control and therefore increases existential fear.” Can there be a better example than a sense of collective fear overpowering us today? We are mortally scared about our very survival as the threat of from an invisible enemy is making us feel so helpless.

Amidst all this the Nature, in its own way, is offering us a chance to recalibrate our fast-paced lives, an opportunity to slow down and a glimpse of simple living (and perhaps high thinking). After all this is over, mankind will probably emerge wiser and more humbles.

A Token of Gratitude

Post lockdown several videos of high-handed behavior of men in uniform (from different parts of the country) disciplining errant individuals became viral courtesy various Whatsapp groups. Naturally, we were a bit apprehensive meeting similar fate in course of delivering essential commodities to the senior citizens who made distress calls to us.

During the initial days when we were criss-crossing the city from Mahamayatala to Maheshtala and Naktala to Park Circus the very site of a police personnel manning an otherwise busy street junction made our hearts skip. However, our fears were allayed soon.It is true that on several occasions our vehicle was stopped and questioned by the civic volunteers and personnel of the Kolkata Police be it at Rash Bihari Avenue, Lord’s More, or Tollygunge Phari. But whenever we conveyed to them the purpose of our travel and shared relevant documents to substantiate they have always been courteous. Never for once have they been ham-headed.

In our effort to provide grocery items and medicines, the kirana & pharmacy stores have been of great support. During several occasions on our request they gladly arranged for certain items otherwise unavailable within a day, or two.

Had it not been for such help from different quarters of the civil society Porosh’s efforts to serve the senior citizens would have been far from easy. It has bolstered our belief that citizens of Kolkata do not dither from coming forward to help hapless fellow-travelers during moments of unheard of crises. Did someone say Kolkatans are laid-back?

Porosh’s Work Philosophy– Arm-chair, or Hand’s-on Approach

When the news of COVID-19 started trickling-in by January-end we at Porosh did not take it too seriously. A month later we realized that the issue was far more serious than what we had even imagined. Country after country was falling prey to the virus and along with that spiraled the mortality rate. India was not spared either. Incidents of lockdown was reported from China with many other nations following suit.

In the first week of March, during our weekly review meeting, we casually discussed among ourselves, ‘What if something similar happens in India? What should Porosh do if there is a lockdown?’ A debate followed.

Some of us argued that we should start publishing blogs to sensitize our members & the larger audience about the Do’s & Don’ts to prevent being effected by COVID-19 and also share tips for life during lockdown. After all, these insights help in raising awareness among the masses to fight an unknown entity. Such an approach at the end of a day is a safe job that can be done from the corner of one’s office, or home. We term it ‘arm chair’ approach.

The other view was rather risky and hence, daring. It was contented that Porosh should prepare the blueprint of an action plan in the eventuality of a lockdown. And what was it? Reaching-out to the elderly citizens with medicine, grocery and other household essentials. Although one realized it would pose serious health hazard to the Porosh foot soldiers yet the joy & thrill of actually serving someone during the time distress underscored everything else. We call it ‘hands-on’ approach.

Thus, the team decided to opt for the second approach. After all, it was argued, how much we may write to create awareness what really makes the difference is helping those in the hour of need. It is like being in the war front. Little did we realize then that three weeks later lockdown would be reality.