Preface
It was 9:00 p.m., on the 24th of March 2020 when the Indian Prime Minister announced on television that there was an epidemic that was sweeping the country. It could wipe out millions. The Coronavirus was now attacking India in a disease they called COVID-19. He announced a total lockdown of the country for 21 days. Otherwise, he said, the country may go back 21 years.
With all due respect to the task force, the group of ministers, advisors, doctors, and scientists, what made them take such a drastic step? They were aware this could lead to an economic crisis that India could not afford to face. Not only would it shut down all hotels and airlines, malls and commercial establishments, cinemas and restaurants, offices and businesses, it would also put the entire country into a virtual paralysis. Still, why did the government announce such a lockdown? But what was the cause of this lockdown? It was not the virus itself! It was FEAR!
Fear has gripped not only the national cabinet of ministers but has also spread to every regional chief minister and every citizen. Such is fear! It is more contagious than a virus. It spreads from person to person.
This is exactly what happened as television channels started to broadcast disasters of the COVID-19 disease.