How did India’s COVID-19 situation go from good to bad?

As the acrid smell of burning pyres dampens the air with departing souls, the holy river adrift the nameless mortals and India stands in a queue gasping for breath, let’s understand how did we go from winning to spiraling down the COVID crisis. 

In the first wave of Covid-19, the virus affected almost about 95 lakh Indians. 

However, that was less than 1 % of the total Indian population. 

Added to that, the death rate was below 1% in India. 

These numbers sure sound like victory over the virus. 

In fact, the numbers were so impressive that the world turned to India for tips on containing the virus. This was largely possible because of the strict lockdown across the country and the country’s faith in traditional medicines. 

Also Read: COVID-19 and Mental Health

India’s mantra for managing the first COVID crisis

The first wave of COVID-19 could not shake the pillars of India. The government’s strict lockdown policy and promotion of Ayurvedic medicines were at the core of battling coronavirus. Because of India’s faith in Ayurvedic and Siddha medicines, they were widely prescribed as immunity boosters. 

In many states, mild and moderate cases were treated exclusively with Siddha or Ayurvedic medicines. And the recovery rates noted were incredibly high. Early estimates suggested a 90% preventive impact and 98% recovery of people who regularly consumed ayurvedic immunity boosters. Later studies have shown even better numbers.

By November 2020, indigenous immunity boosters like Kabasura Kudineer (Siddha), Ayush Kwath, Ayush -64, Chyawanprash, and Guduchi tablets were household names. These herbal immune boosters along with the recommended protocols helped keep most Indians safe from the first wave of COVID-19. 

Also Read: Preparing your children for a COVID world

What lead India to the second COVID crisis?

As the dead bodies continued to pile up on India’s heart, everyone began to ponder just one thing. What went wrong? How did the second wave create a ruckus in the country? How did India’s covid-19 cases sky-rocket to more than two and a half crores in a matter of days?

Well, a lot of things went wrong!

Early victory. Forgotten protocols. Lethargic approach.

Mainstream media has attributed the election rallies and Kumbhamela to the catastrophe. 

The blame game and dirty politics threw dust on the real matter. 

The cases in the 5 states that went to election mode were similar or rather less than others. The cases in Maharashtra and Karnataka went crazy, while the number of cases in the host city of Kumbhamela, Uttarakhand remained comparatively low. Though the super spreader events have added fuel to the fire, the reason for India’s collapse goes beyond that.  

Also Read: COVID 19 and the historic rise in mental health issues

Delving deeper into the cracks of COVID crisis

In March 2020, when the government imposed the initial lockdown, everyone went into a cautious mode. They were reading and listening and finding ways to stay protected. Indians adopted herbal medicines and lifestyle recommendations to boost immunity.

By May 2020, many preliminary studies scientifically proved the efficacy of indigenous medicines. Experts agreed Kabasura Kudineer, Guduchi, Ayush-64, Tulsi drops, Giloy ras and Ashwagandha can help in battling the covid-19 virus.

These early studies and claims made a huge impact on people adapting these formulations. Many integrated these immunity boosters as a part of their life. This helps improve immunity and kept a check on the spread of the virus. 

By November 2020, the Indian Government lifted complete lockdowns norms. And things started to return to normalcy. Soon, people forgot all about the virus and started to go out and about. Weddings, functions, markets, were bustling with the crowd.

In March 2021, many mega-events like election rallies and religious gatherings were happening. By this time, people behaved like the virus never existed. Masks, sanitizers, and social distancing went for the toss. 

As the numbers were going down, people became complacent. No one was taking precautions. Those consuming Ayurvedic and Siddha immunity boosters stopped taking those. All the COVID-19 protocols including masks, social distances, and sanitizers went downhill.

All these factors contributed to the surge in the numbers in March.

Complacency Leads to Chaos – Testimonies 

Mrs. Sharada – an entrepreneur who is admitted to a quarantine facility in Bangalore.

“Last year when the virus started spreading, I consumed Kabasura Kudineer and Gudhuchi tablets every day in the morning and evening. I had traveled many times to and fro from Bangalore to Mangalore in December. Of course, with all precautions, but I did not get infected. But this year I went to Mangalore and I got sick. We had stopped consuming Kabasura Kudineer and Guduchi tablets somewhere around January thinking Corona was gone”.

Gokul Rajeevan Nambiar, an employee at Indigo airlines, New Delhi

He had something the same to say. He consumed Ayush Kwath, Ashwagandha, and other ayurvedic immunity boosters in the initial months. It helped him stay negative even though his job involved exposure to international travelers. He became complacent when the numbers were going down and stopped taking the immunity boosters. This resulted in him spending a fortnight at Radha Soami Covid Care Centre. “Once I was negative again, I immediately went back to my Ayurvedic immunity boosters. We cannot take our chances with this virus. I have learned my lesson the hard way” said Gokul with a smile.

Jayanthi, 74 from Jayanagar in Banglore

She passed away due to covid-19 on the 21^st of May 2021. “My mother took Ayush Kwath and Ayush-64 up to January. Then slowly we lost discipline and by February stopped consuming the Ayurvedic immunity boosters. Our focus shifted to vaccination but it wasn’t easy to get a slot. She got the virus and succumbed to it” said Jayanthi’s son Radhakrishna with a heavy heart. 

The virus claimed many lives. And the worst thing is that many of these deaths could have been avoided. Had people retained the initial enthusiasm in taking Ayurvedic and Siddha immunity boosters, the numbers might have been quite different. 

Preparing for the harder hits

The war isn’t over yet!

Experts are alarming about the third wave and probably a fourth.

Added to that, the fungal infections are adding to the scare. 

The second wave of COVID crisis has swept India by its feet. We are breaking all the records of COVID-19 cases and death tolls all across the globe. It’s very important to keep the guard up and understand the virus is not gone yet. 

Vaccinations are important and everyone must take the jab. Even the vaccinated ones are recommended to keep their masks on and maintain social distancing protocols. Also, eating healthy and consuming immune boosters shall be a priority.  

Ayurveda and Siddha medicines are made up of natural ingredients. They are time tested for their efficacy and safety. You can consult an Ayurvedic doctor before starting these medicines. But it’s important to keep the guards up!