Hot water extracts from these petals were found to be rich in quinic acid and its derivatives. Molecular dynamics studies showed that these phytochemicals have two kinds of effects against the virus. They bound to the main protease – an enzyme that plays an important role in viral replication – and to the Human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2) that mediates viral entry into the host cells.

The researchers also showed through experimental assays that non-toxic doses of the petal extracts can inhibit COVID infection in Vero E6 cells (cells derived from the kidney of an African green monkey that is commonly used to study infectivity of virus and bacteria), without any adverse effects on the cells themselves.

The petals of the Himalayan Guransh plant, scientifically called Rhododendron arboreum, are consumed in various forms by the local population for their varied health benefits. The scientists from IIT Mandi and ICGEB set out to scientifically test the extracts containing various phytochemicals in it, with a particular focus on antiviral activity. The researchers extracted the phytochemicals from the Buransh petals and performed biochemical assays and computational simulation studies to understand its antiviral properties.

The findings of the research team have been recently published in the journal ‘Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics’. The research team also plans to carry out additional studies to understand the precise mechanism of inhibition of COVID-19 replication by specific phytochemicals from Buransh petals.

Dr Shyam Kumar Masakapalli, Associate Professor, BioX Centre, School of Basic Science, IIT Mandi, says, “Among the different types of therapeutic agents being studied, phytochemicals – chemicals derived from plants – are considered particularly promising because of their synergistic activity and natural source with fewer toxicity issues. We are hunting for promising molecules from the Himalayan flora using multi-disciplinary approaches”

Dr Ranjan Nanda, Translational Health Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, says, “We have profiled and investigated the phytochemicals of Rhododendron arboreum petals sourced from Himalayan flora and have found it to be a promising candidate against the COVID virus.”

Dr Sujatha Sunil, Vector Borne Disease Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, says, “A combination of the phytochemical profiling, computer simulations and in vitro anti-viral assays showed that the extracts from the Buransh petals inhibited the replication of the COVID-19 virus in a dose-dependent manner.”

The research was led by Dr Shyam Kumar Masakapalli, Associate Professor, BioX Centre, School of Basic Science, IIT Mandi and Dr Ranjan Nanda, Translational Health Group and Dr Sujatha Sunil, Vector-Borne Disease Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi. The paper has been co-authored by Dr Maneesh Lingwan, Ms Shagun Shagun, Ms Falak Pahwa, Mr Ankit Kumar, Mr Dileep Kumar Verma, Mr Yogesh Pant, Mr Lingarao V. K. Kamatam and Ms. Bandna Kumari.

The post IIT Mandi Researchers Discover Gurans Can Potentially Cure Coronavirus appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

1. What can we do to protect children from getting infected?
As with any other individual, wearing masks and washing hands frequently, maintaining a safe distance, etc is important. We need to offer our children a balanced diet and keep them physically active. WHO recommends masks for children above the age of 12 years.

For children between 5-11 years, decisions may be taken based on the ability of the child to comply with the appropriate use of mask and under adult supervision only.

2. Are supplements necessary?
Supplements are not needed in a child who is not deficient.

3. I am breastfeeding/ pregnant, should I take the vaccine?
Yes. The government has allowed vaccination for both pregnant and breastfeeding women.

4. Is my child protected if I get vaccinated?
If you are breastfeeding, the baby will receive antibodies, thus protecting your baby. Even if you aren’t breastfeeding, your vaccination decreases the risk of severe infection to you and thus your baby. However, though the vaccine reduces the chance of severe disease, you CAN still transmit the infection to others (including your children). It is absolutely necessary that you DON’T get a false sense of security after receiving the vaccine Mask/ Handwashing/ Social distancing still needs to be meticulously followed.

5. I have tested positive for COVID19. How to protect my baby/child?
If you are a breastfeeding mom, you don’t need to stop breastfeeding. Wear a mask while breastfeeding and frequently wash hands and sanitize surfaces.

If other members of the family are infected, isolate the baby/child from infected members and watch for signs of infection ( fever/ cough/cold/ sore throat/ rashes/ diarrhea, etc).

6. My child has a fever. What to do?
Keep the child hydrated. Give fever medication like paracetamol and consult your pediatrician.

7. My child has tested positive for COVID19. I am scared.
Luckily for us, very few children have developed the severe disease, with most children having no to mild and moderate symptoms. So you don’t need to panic. Keep in touch with your pediatrician.

8. Will the third wave affect children more?
As explained by the IAP ‘spectrum of illness is likely to be much less severe in children than adults, there is only a remote possibility of children being more severely affected than adults in the next wave. As per data collected in waves 1 & 2, even severe Covid infections in Children are less likely to require ICU admissions’.

9. My child has become unusually irritable and naughty lately
Parents of children cooped up in their homes with no contact with other children, especially in nuclear families have complained about their children becoming more destructive/naughty/ irritable. Children have so much energy which would normally be spent playing with friends or running around in the park. All that energy is bound to be channelized elsewhere.

BE PATIENT WITH YOUR CHILD. Keep him/ her occupied in various activities, involve them in the chores you do, ensure some form of physical exercise. If you feel you cannot manage, don’t forget to reach out for help.

10. My child’s routine vaccination is due. Should we get it?
Yes. Routine vaccines are to be taken as per schedule while taking COVID-appropriate precautions.

Dr. Tsheten is an alumnus of Loreto Convent Darjeeling. She did her MBBS from Medical College, Kolkata, and her MD in Pediatrics from Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi.

For more queries you can email her at tsheshe24@gmail.com

The post COVID19 and Children – FAQs appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Human civilization is facing an unprecedented crisis and of course one of the most disastrous humanitarian tragedy in the history of mankind.

The outbreak of the second wave of this virus has already started upholding a catastrophic situation in our hills with rapidly increasing numbers of positive cases resulting in loss of human lives.

The local administrative body is doing its best with the necessary available resources to undermine and restrain the transmission of this fatal disease with various strategic moves which is highly appreciable.

The whole community is in the same pitch to combat this pandemic with their collective actions and efforts. Various political parties, non-governmental organizations, social workers from across the region have profoundly responded and jumped into action to render the required services to mankind in need with the best of their capabilities in this covid rampage.

At this crucial phase, the GTA Relief Fund can’t be ignored and forgotten. The fundraising campaign was a phenomenal drive under the leadership of the honorable GTA Chairman during the first wave of the pandemic. The fund as per the official record is a whopping amount of Rs – 2,10,16,036 in which the chairman himself committed to adding the equal sum of amount for the appropriate utilization to deal with this pandemic. With the additional share the Fund is supposed to be above 4.20( Four Crore twenty lakhs plus) now.

However, no official statement has been issued in this regard so far by the finance authority and not even a single penny is being used for the prime objective for which the fund was raised.

A lack of transparency may result in distrust and if not utilized efficiently and effectively will create a sense of insecurity among the donors as they would feel their contribution is wasted and gone in vain.

The bitter truth must come out, our poor health infrastructure is a difficult question to be answered. It is so disheartening to observe shortages of infrastructure which is not hidden to us any longer.

At this crucial juncture, community-based covid shelter by our social workers and non-governmental organizations in various educational institutions private and public property is a demand of the time and a welcoming move. Moreover, it must be encouraged with the adequate support and supplies of covid shield services as per the pandemic S.O.P through GTA Relief Fund.

IT IS TIME TO SERVE AND SAVE LIFE

The Chairman Relief Fund if particularly utilized in the Community based Covid Shelter with being highly reasonable at this phase for the laid down proposals:-

1. The supplies of modern and updated personal protective gear for the volunteers and health associates engaged in the frontline without zero negligence through the GTA relief fund.
2. The appropriate healthy nutritional diets to be ensured at the covid shelter for the patient and the volunteers engaged there.
3. The frontline volunteers must be rewarded with monetary and social recognition perks to boost up their morale and motivation during their services in the community-based covid shelters.
4. Supplies of Oximeter Device to monitor the pulse rate so that the proactive approach can be extended to the needy patients in the medical grounds whenever required.
5. Supplies medical infrastructure such as oxygen concentrators so that a single life cannot be lost in absence of oxygen requirement.
6. Transportation services to be rendered to the hill community who are desperately strangled in cities and stations.
7. To ensure 100 percent vaccination program in tea garden the as they are considered to be the most vulnerable and deprived section of our society due to lack of proper information.
8. To adopt a team of a vigilance committee to ensure proper utilization of the allocated fund for a timely review and regular follow-up.

Writes: Jatan Rai

The post The Chairman GTA Relief Fund Should Be Put to Good Use appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

"Walk toward the light "

It broke my heart
To see your face
When the call came 
I wish I could
Reach out,
Comfort you
And assure you 
I have moved 
To the quiet
Peacefulness
 
If I knew now
What I knew then
I'd stop.
Pause.
Recharge.
Refresh.
Hurry less.
Walk slow,
Very slow 
Exhale more.

I'd explore
Not stagnate 
Be rooted
Yet free
Wild to roam 

Build,
Not tear walls,
Be fearless
Conspicuous
Step up
Stand out
Speak up
Opine
Secure in my 
Convictions 
 
Befriend more
Be kind 
Much kinder 
Live a little
Live a lot 
Take chances 
Laugh more,
Harder, longer  

Rebel a little 
Rebel a lot !
Be reckless
Experiment, 
Sometimes ! 
Innovate 
Live 
Not exist

I'd understand
That people 
Hurt 
Behind their fake smiles 
 
To not care
For the world -view
Be impervious,
To illogical opinions 
Irrational displeasure
Irate chastising 
Unimaginable prejudices 
Abhorrent discrimination
Opportunistic 'friends'
 
I'd understand that 
Education 
Learnedness
Social stature 
Do not define 
Inherent good will 
 
That the inner 
conscience
Is silenced
Coerced to mass yes-ism 
Robotically moulded
To fit in
Rather than stand out
In a society where
Normal and mediocre
Fit the bill
"Safe ".
 
No place 
At the high table 
For the 
Thinkers
Philosophers 
Rationalisers 
The misfits 
The crazies 
Anyone with a view
That threatens
To question 
 
I'd have released
the rebel within 
To balance the 
Goody godly side
Rather than reach
That point
Where I want
To scream 
out loud 
I'd understand
That people's behaviour
Mirror their 
wretched souls
Insecurities and rage
Lashed out 
In order
For them to rise
Others must fall
In order
To survive
Others must perish
 
I'd understand this 
And move away
Not agonise 
I'd surround myself 
With the few
Who lighten 
My soul
Who love
The inner me
Who infuse 
Energy 
Positivity
Happiness
Love 
 
I'd DO
The bucket list
DO more
The unkept promises
Unfulfilled dreams 
Live out 
My dream
 
At the end
All the paper work 
And the terabytes
Stored in 
Password protected 
Machines 
All the meetings 
The hustle 
Bustle
And survival
Taken away 
In one second 
 
Above all
I would realise 
We are assured
That we cross over
And meet 
On the other side
 
Don't wait 
Like I did
To walk to the light 
Only at the end 
Dispel the darkness 
Right now
 
For in the end 
Happy memories are
All that remain.

Globally, as of 11:33am India Time, 30th of January 2021, there have been 102,636,329 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 2,216,421 deaths, reported to WHO.

The cases continue to grow world- wide. It is important not to lose our guard. Continue to wear masks. Continue to maintain social distancing. Hold back on entertaining and large gatherings. Stay positive and focus on the good. This too, like all things good and bad, shall pass.

The Author Dr. Rekha Samuel, MD is a Pathologist, Scientist and writer. An alumnus of Mount Hermon School, Darjeeling She lives with her husband and two cocker spaniels in Kolkata.

The post Walk toward the light appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

Q – What is the vaccine roll-out date?

A –The Government of India is geared to launch a vaccine for COVID19 on the 16th of January 2021. For more information and updates, visit http://mohfw.gov.in

Q – Is it mandatory to take the vaccine?

A – COVID Vaccination is voluntary. However, it is advisable to receive the complete schedule of the vaccine for protecting yourself and others.

Q – Is the COVID19 vaccine safe?

A – Yes, COVID19 vaccines are safe to be administered. COVID Vaccination begins today, and is being introduced in the country only after getting a clearance from the National Regulator based on its safety and efficacy.

Q – Is it necessary for a COVID recovered person to take the vaccine?

A – Yes, it is advisable to receive a complete schedule of COVID Vaccination irrespective of history of infection with COVID19. This will help in developing a strong immune response against the disease.

Q – How are one or more vaccines chosen for administration out of the multiple vaccines available?

A – The safety and efficacy data from clinical trials of vaccine candidates are examined by our country’s drug regulator before granting the licenses.

Q – Are the vaccines introduced in India as effective as the ones introduced in other countries?

A – Yes, the vaccines introduced in India are as effective as other countries. Various phases of vaccine trials are undertaken to ensure their safety and efficacy.

Q – If one is taking medicines for illnesses like Cancer, Diabetes, Hypertension etc, can s/he take the COVID-19 vaccine?

A – Yes. Persons with one or more of these comorbid conditions are considered a high risk category. They need to get COVID-19 vaccination.

Q – What are the possible side-effects of COVID19 vaccine?

A – Mild fever and pain are common side-effects that are possible in some after getting vaccinated. States have been asked to make arrangements as one of the measures towards safe vaccine delivery among the masses.

Q – Will the COVID19 vaccine be given to everyone simultaneously?

A– The Government of India has selected healthcare and frontline workers to be vaccinated on priority as they are at higher risk.

Q – Can a person presently having COVID19 infection be vaccinated?

A – People with confirmed or suspected COVID infection may increase the risk of spreading the same to others at vaccination sites. Infected persons should defer vaccination for 14 days after symptoms resolution.

Q –  Is it necessary for a COVID recovered person to take the vaccine?

A – Yes, it is advisable to receive a complete schedule of COVID Vaccination irrespective of history of infection with COVID-19. This will help in developing a strong immune response against the disease.

Q – How will I know if I am eligible for COVID Vaccination?

A – In the initial phase, COVID-19 vaccine will be provided to the priority group- healthcare and frontline workers. The 50 plus age group may also begin early based on vaccine availability.

Q – Does India have the capacity to store and transport the COVID vaccine at temperature of +2 to +8 degree Celsius?

A – India runs one of the largest immunization programme in the world. The programme mechanisms are being geared up to effectively cater to everyone.

Q – Can a person get COVID vaccine without registration with the Health Department?

A – No, registration of the beneficiary is mandatory for COVID Vaccination. Only after registration the information on the session site to visit and time will be shared with the beneficiary.

Q – What documents are required for registration of eligible beneficiaries?

A – Any of the identity proof with photo mentioned in the attached picture may be produced at the time of registration.

Q – Will a Photo ID be required at the time of registration?

A – The Photo ID produced at the time of registration must be produced and verified at the time of vaccination.

Q – f a person is not able to produce Photo ID at the session site, whether s/he be vaccinated or not?

A – Photo ID is a must for both registration and verification of beneficiary at session site to ensure that the intended person is vaccinated.

Q – How will the beneficiary receive information about the due date of COVID Vaccination?

A – Following online registration, beneficiaries will receive SMS on their registered mobile number on the due date, place and time of vaccination.

Q – Will vaccinated person receive information on the status of their COVID Vaccination after completion?

A – Yes. On getting a due dose of COVID19 vaccine, the beneficiaries will receive SMS and a QR code-based certificate on their registered mobile number.

Q – Any preventive measures that need to be followed at the COVID Vaccination site?

A – Rest at the site for at least 1/2 hour after taking the COVID19 vaccine. Follow COVID Appropriate Behaviors: wearing a mask, sanitize your hands & maintain 6 ft. physical distance.

Q – Which app should you download to register for Covid19 vaccinations?

A – NONE at the moment. Registration for Covid19 vaccination is not open to general public yet, including for those above 50. WAIT. Beware of fake apps.

The post COVID VACCINE: All Your Questions Answered appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

The events of the day included marathon runs in different categories, concerts and various programmes. Politicians, activists, local organisations, and people from all walks of life participated in the festive-like event like there was no waiting for another day. Thousands gathered for the Kailash Kher concert, thousands ran the marathon and thousands again queued up by the road to watch them people run. People lined up along the road and almost everyone had a chance to take a selfie with the running-machine Milind Soman.

Talking about numbers, there maybe some other cardinal data that may go on to rub the part of our brain that is associated with interest. As per the official records of the West Bengal, 119 people were tested positive of COVID-19, and one died due to COVID, in Darjeeling District just a day before the event, taking the total number of active cases to 786. In Kalimpong, 11 people new cases of COVID were recorded, raising the total number of active cases to 44.

These numbers may have lost significance in our lives to cause us anymore fear, but can we say the same about their relevance? Have we altogether accepted that COVID is gone or have normalised the threat of COVID-19?

What happened in Delhi when it chose to let go off the guards and the current spike in the number of cases should be a warning bell for us all. The city was recently mulling over imposing another lockdown to control the rising cases.

In recent times, Darjeeling had more or less returned to its usual state of affair. Most people seem indifferent or casual about the deadly virus. It is a point that one of my friend raises – “If people themselves are normal right now, what is wrong with a marathon?”

But then, it is important to note that there is a vast difference in people choosing to subject themselves to a certain risk, as against a Government authority choosing to do it for the people. Just because drinking alcohol is legal and most people consume alcohol, it doesn’t rationalise a highly influential administrative authority to endorse the same.

In fact, this is the time when the government departments and local administrations should buckle up harder and try to compensate for the casual approach adopted by the people – educate and aware them instead.

The large sea of people at Chowrasta and across Darjeeling yesterday could well be 99% a fun filled safe experience, which is actually a very unlikely possibility given the circumstances, but then let us suppose. Let us in the same line suppose that for the remaining 1% of chance it was a gateway to the biggest COVID explosion in Darjeeling. Given the choice, the authority should be choosing to work against the 1% possibility that may exist for any number of times that are given to choose.

The visuals of today reminded me of the lockdown period when the same Police department held people by their collars and even dragged them to the station because they were violating the COVID protocols. There were instances where people were afraid to even visit the nearby shops to get their necessary groceries. People might have even been served some good fine tuning of the Sarkari roll. The Police department distributed masks to arouse the sense of humiliation in those people who were walking around without their masks on.

So now, just because the Government has relaxed the lockdown, should the same organisation be organising such a massive mass event? Does duty only follow from Government orders or do the sense of moral obligation and the public welfare too play a role? Even Amitabh Bachchan hasn’t stopped saying – “COVID-19 abhi khatam nahi huwa hai. Aise mein humaara farz hai ki hum satark rahein. Jab tak dabai nahi, tab tak dhilai nahi” – when you call Jio numbers.

It is for once, a matter of thought to put behind the entire episode of the greatest marathon in Darjeeling of all times. I was initially disappointed of Milind Soman to have agreed to endorse such an event. But then again I realised, that is what he does. It is his profession. So next question would be, where did all the money come from to organise such an expensive event? The Government has been crying about a cash crunch created by the Coronavirus pandemic. Many arrears around different offices remain pending. Promotions, increments and regularisations too remain postponed. So, as such, is it wise for any department under the Government to be spending the public money for such events? If so, what benefits do they derive against the costs incurred. Who are the stakeholders of the event and who share the blame if tomorrow even one person directly or indirectly gets infected or dies as a consequence of this gathering?

The event also saw many political leaders in the hills actively involved in the organising part and also saw their presence in the opening ceremony. Could this be one of those many pre-election gimmicks blinding people by the glitz and glamour? Obviously, tell our people that something is healthy or beneficial to the hills and its people, or just define it in a way that it apparently makes Darjeeling a nice place, people start exchanging their brains for peanuts. So, moving ahead of a particular administrative body, you may have seen some “non-political” organisations having their volunteers riding their bikes and cycles, side by side, or some organisation solely focussing on environment endorsing plastic-free event.

The bigger question here is whether these organizations and volunteers were under some political pressure, or maybe even driven by the idea of self-benefit of some sorts.

Or did the marathon organizers get swayed by the recent political rallies and gatherings into assuming that the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer a threat?

It would help if the political parties realize the existing threat and danger due to COVID-19 and communicate the same within their party cadres and the society at large.

Too many questions can arise here and an equal number of arguments. I am all ears to all the defendants of the event. But just a request, please don’t tell me that it was to promote running as a way to develop health and immunity. Neither that all the people present there were tested, wearing mask and following proper protocols.

We, the people of Darjeeling are simpletons. There is a definite urge inside me to add so many things here. But I will stop myself here and allow you to fill that space.

The post Running Past COVID in Darjeeling appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

The COVID Lockdown

When the COVID pandemic set its foot in our country, our country was quick to get into a state of breathlessness and we locked ourselves up. Businesses were close, schools, colleges, offices were shut down, and we were gripped by the scare of Corona. The country is still in chaos and our ways around our lives have changed. But still, we have created a space to breathe even while being in the clutch of the deadly virus. We have learnt to live with it and accepted that the fear may be serious, but having the world and our lives to stop is way scarier. We have learnt to trade our fear with two squares of meal and pretend that things are normal. In fact, in the ‘new normal’, the increasing number of infections no longer scares us. With a mask over our face and a bottle of sanitizer in the pocket, life keeps moving on.

But, things weren’t the same when the pandemic hit us. When we think about the chaos prevailing during the initial weeks of lockdown, it still feels unreal and something that never happened. Migrant workers, students, and families who live along the margins were seriously affected. People had no choice but to look up and hope that someone would extend a helping hand so that they could be secure about their morsels of food for the next few days.

Amidst such crisis, one person emerged as a beacon and a leading light who made sure that help was extended to lacs of families in Delhi and across the country, mainly for those from Northeast, including Darjeeling and Sikkim. And yes, it couldn’t be anyone else leading the charge, but Robin Hibu IPS, Special Commissioner at Delhi Police, a faithful servant to the country, and a friend in need.

Helping Hands

As soon as the news about the distress caused by COVID lockdown to stranded people from Northeast in Delhi began to surface, Robin Hibu’s social initiative, ‘Helping Hands’, through the contributions of its members and donors immediately got into action. The ‘Helping Hands’ team set up a helpline so people could reach out to them for any help or assistance. Anyone from the Northeast, including Darjeeling region, could reach for help if they were in need of food, medicines, and other essentials.

Prior to this, the ‘Helping Hands’ team frequently organised various service drives like blood donation camps, free civil services coaching to the needy aspirants, and other social initiatives for people from the North East. But the real metal of the group was tested when the COVID lockdown started spreading the chaos and destruction.

Taking the lead, Robin Hibu used his one month salary to help people in need. Graually, this initiative went on to develop as one of the biggest initiatives undertaken Helping Hand. Various individuals and groups came together to lend their support in the noble endeavour.

Volunteers and Delhi Police personnel chipped in to support the initiative and took charge of running the helpline, mobilising support, and distributing relief materials. Yogchen Lama from Delhi Police, who originally is from Mirik in Darjeeling, and a member of Helping Hands, Deoraj Gurung from NECC, and Rajen Chhetry played a crucial role through the operation. The effort was also supported by people and organisation who believed in the idea. Various other organizations like the Northeast Chamber of Commerce and many other individuals, including Darjeeling MP Raju Bista pitched in to help in this noble initiative.

Slowly, the initiative started spreading outside Delhi and across other communities. Till now, the group has distributed ration to more than 1,60,000 families. Helping Hands was perhaps the first initiative to address the plight of the struggling families from the Northeast, Darjeeling, and Sikkim region when there was no one to help them.

The Man who understood the pain

The story of Robin Hibu is inspiring and the fact that he himself has made his way through poverty and struggle has allowed him to understand the pains and troubles of those in need. His memories of being educated by a single teacher till class 8 for all the subjects are never fading away. He would walk kilometres everyday to school and also help his family with the household chores. His willingness and determination to get himself out of the situation he was born in, inspired him to work hard relentlessly and he rose to be one of the brightest students in his entire district.

Later, he joined JNU for higher education from where he completed his MA in Sociology. It was during his stay in Delhi that he came across the situation that the North East people were facing. It was right then that he resolved that he would go on to take a stand against it. His commitment led him to work relentlessly for the IPS examination. He fulfilled his commitment when he was posted as the Nodal Officer of the Special Cell for North East People in Delhi. His passion to serve the people only went up exponentially since then and he has never looked back.

Not one to forget his roots, Hibu has also built a library and a small clinic at his village in Arunanchal Pradesh. The Mahatma Gandhi Library today has over 22,000 books donated by Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Robin Hibu’s crackdown against racist attacks and crimes against Northeast people, including the Gorkhas, in Delhi, as the Nodal officer of the Special Cell is well known to all. But even after being released of his responsibilities from the Cell after getting promoted, he didn’t step back from serving the people in his own capacity. In his attempt to share the burden of his fellow people, he convened some like minded people to a common platform where they could extend help to whoever may need. Thus, an organisation by the name “Helping Hand” was born under his initiative, supported by numerous volunteers of Northeast and the North East Chamber of Commerce.

Robin Hibu: The Gorkhey Heart

Robin Hibu, through his entire tenure, has never treated Gorkhas differently from the people of Northeast. It was him, who included the Gorkhas in the Special Cell for Northeast in Delhi, even when there were technical constraints. He has always loved and supported the Gorkhas as he has done to any other Northeast person. In an interview with TheDC, he spoke about his attachment to the Gorkhas and also expressed his concerns about the problems that they have been facing.

He said that his love for the Gorkhas was born way back during his school and college days, when he had found loving and loyal friends from the community. He expressed how he has been in touch with the Gorkhas for as long as he remembers and how closely he understands their problems. Not speaking politically, he stressed that the Gorkhas didn’t have any guardian figure in the Capital and that even though the community has produced many able and successful people, the community as a whole has no one to look forward to, at least in Delhi. This is where he thought he needed to fill the Vacuum. He understood the problems that the Gorkhas faced, so he also had to stand and fight for them.

In his own words, he says, “I have special care and love for the Gorkhas and that will remain till my last breath. I attend all the Gorkha events and try interacting with as many Gorkha youths as possible. In my last life, I must have been a Gorkha.”

He also stressed the importance of a Pan India Gorkha Organisation, the need for a Gorkha Bhawan in Delhi and also the need for preserving the culture and education. The efforts that Robin Hibu has put in his effort to fill the gap between what govt provides and what the community needs on his personal capacity and also through the group Helping Hands is beyond appreciation. He has truly emerged as a hero and a role model for the youth of today from our region. We wish more power and success in serving those in need.

The post Robin Hibu IPS: Helping Hands during COVID-19 lockdown appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

This got me thinking, that I’m stuck here with virtual reality even to have a simple conversation which again is no conversation, but a series of imaginations. Also maybe a realisation how this pandemic has actually curtailed my freedom of subconscious yearning for knowledge and knowing things, which could only be found while having a physical conversation and proximity, or the space that is created effortlessly even over a cup of Tea.

If generally, people were not yearning for that space probably they wouldn’t be investing so much of time and energy over tea, which practically is not the entrée and yet it holds immeasurable significance.

It was Anthony Giddens who actually spoke about this space that is created over a ‘cup of coffee’. In trying to make us understand what sociological imagination is, he mentions how when seen from a sociological perspective it becomes more than a ritual adding to the social construct.

In his theory of structuration, he mentions that ‘the basic domain of social sciences is neither the experiences of the individual actor, nor any form of societal totality but social practices ordered through time and space’ (Giddens 1984).

Now, coming from a place where every grandmother has played the role of a “seed keeper”, nurturer of not just the family but to the whole of the community with its rigorous process in becoming the tea Garden labourers and finally today making it known to the world for its tea production, Darjeeling the queen of hills, space has always been given the utmost importance. This space although dynamic is cultivated over a period of time and we can say that it differs from culture to culture.

Like I mentioned earlier, culturally I’m embedded to have that pride of having Tea plantations and to have known its process of production and in local sense, have that sharing amongst us.

One of the social practices that I have often seen is, people getting relaxed over a cup of tea; it is the time for them to have a conversation on various topics, topics which sometimes makes no sense yet it provides that energy to laugh and even discuss it later. Culturally we provide tea at any time to whoever makes a visit to our place, and we are more than happy to do that probably also because we are looking for that space.

But with sudden call for alertness, to distance ourselves from each other, making us more conscious of our every movement, somewhere it has disturbed the process of social construct of building relationships. It is a ritual for us to drink tea and have that space for interaction, learning, knowing which subconsciously satiates our yearning for knowledge, has now changed into being more of a conscious effort added with anxiety.

It has therefore changed the existing pattern of interaction, communication and has disrupted the process of social construct.

The proximity that we enjoyed in having a conversation, with expressions and body language being the filler, has now been replaced by robotic imitation such as emoji’s that we use in most of social media platform. Technological glitch is now filled with robotic gaps curtailing human expressions to be the fillers in conversation have brought about some form of change.

So the question is how many of us have really adapted to virtual communication without losing the essence of really understanding the emotions as we would do it in person?

This again directs me to the change that we have adapted in terms of educating our students. The mode of education has changed from classroom setting to the online classes which are a rapid change where again humans have shown our ability to mould ourselves to the need for the change. The inevitability of change is quite evident, but how far have we been able to cope with it without disrupting the balance or without having any negative impact on the social construct of relationships and interaction? is questionable.

We are so used to living our lives with the existing pattern, that this sudden change with no proper remedy has definitely made people anxious and again we are always yearning for knowledge, always curious and there being change in the pattern of communication, have made a greater impact even to our simple act of having a cup of tea among our own people.

We all have directed towards technology and are greatly dependent on it.  We are equally fascinated with its multitasking ability. The technology has thrived so much that people without its support have faced difficulty in coping with situations such as the pandemic today. According to the Indian Express report, published on June 17th 2020, twenty eight people committed suicide during lockdown, which again brings before us the question of relationship between – advance in technology and it’s contributing to the social interaction process for having better relationships.

Factors could be many, but the ground reality of the change in the pattern of social interactions and its resultant stress also remains undeniable,

Since we are dealing with pandemic which almost seems insidious, (at least in my area which is a village) and with my anxious family members, cousins and relatives who live nearby and who often sneak in and out like rats from each others houses have shown a tremendous amount of anxiousness first, followed by curiosity and finally some amount of calmness over this five-month with a simple cup of Tea to drink on.

The interaction was evidently helpful since the whole of the community got together in making our Village COVID 19 free by making arrangements for migrating people, by sanitizing the whole village, also distributing ration to the needy in a very organized manner, and taking all safety majors which could only be done with a certain amount of proximity to control the situation.

When looked at it from a sociological perspective, even a simple cup of tea helps build a web of social relationships, which eventually helps to understand a person, pattern the social relationships follow over a cup of tea and finally how a simple cup of tea contributes to the larger society.

So next time, do not miss on any of the Tea invites, what if that becomes your kind of space you are subconsciously yearning for!!

[Writes: Sumina Chettri – The author is a lecturer at Salesian College, Sonada]

The post My space over a cup of Tea appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.

By the end of March, the Coronavirus pandemic has spread to over 185 countries and the world was facing the biggest public health issues of modern times. Governments of countries and states started shutting down schools, officer, public transport, markets, malls and called for a lockdown in most parts of the world.

The lockdown, even after 6 months, is yet to be lifted and there are restrictions still imposed on travel restrictions and public gathering. Offices, factories, and businesses, have started functioning to some extent, although there are still challenges in full revival of industries and economic activities.

The Challenges to Education

The quick spread of the Coronavirus pandemic has highly impacted the education system and the teaching-learning process. In the present situation, there is still huge uncertainty when schools and colleges will reopen and become fully functional.

To mitigate the risks of transmission, most schools and colleges have adopted the e-Learning mode of education by offering online learning to the students. While, this has ensured that the students continue their studies staying at home, the effectiveness of the learning method and its outcome is still questionable. Because the virus came up without any warning, most educational institutes were not fully prepared on handling the situation.

Challenges of Online Learning in Hill Areas

The biggest challenges is however faced by the students and teachers of remote areas where internet connectivity is poor and mostly unavailable. In the hill areas of Darjeeling, Sikkim, and the Northeast, students and teachers are struggling to continue their education and learning.

Some of the major challenges in the hill areas that we as students have faced are:

• Frequent cut-down of electricity – In many areas, the power-cuts can last anywhere from 4 hours to 12 hours. Electricity is crucial for both powering devices and also to connect to the internet.
• Unfavourable Climate: Due to the challenges of hilly terrains, when electricity connection breaks down, it often takes a day to two and sometimes even more to repair and restore the connections. The monsoon season and the landslides do not help in this case.
• Inability to purchase Smart Phones: Because most of the people in the Hills are poor and depend on low-paying jobs like working in tea gardens, parents cannot afford to buy smartphones which costs more than their monthly salaries. In the current system of WhatsApp-based learning, there is not much a student can do without having a good mobile phone.
• Wifi and Internet Connectivity: The concept if Wifi is almost non-existent in the hill areas and internet connectivity is worse. Getting a proper signal to even download a PDF file sent by the teachers is a challenge sometimes.
• Lack of Computers and Electronic appliances: For successful adoption of online learning system, access to computer and electronic equipment like printers, scanners, etc are critical. However, in an environment where people are struggling with a basic mobile phone, access to computers is a far-fetched idea.

Given the challenges and lack of basic infrastructure setup in villages and remote areas, the government must intervene to support the students and make sure that every student should have access to education in all modes of learning – be it online or offline. Only then, our dream of ‘Education for All’ will be fulfilled and every student will be ensured of their ‘Right to Education’. If the government can build schools and colleges to promote education for all, then they should also be able to ensure that students are not left behind in this age of forceful ‘digital learning’.

Writes: Prashanti Rai (Gyan Jyoti College)

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There are many psychological effects a pandemic can have on an individual and it may have more far-ranging influences for a person who is in quarantine. The quarantine can be a very unpleasant experience for an individual who has to undergo it. The person under quarantine is separated from his/her loved ones, there is a loss of freedom to do what he/she wishes to do often resulting in boredom. The uncertainty over the disease status can make matters worse for the individual. Therefore, it is very important for us to find ways to mitigate the psychological consequences of quarantine and the innumerable effects that a pandemic can have on an individual.

Here, I suggest some effective means that can help an individual deal with the ill effects of a pandemic like the one we are facing currently.

1. Building Resilience: American Psychological Association defines resilience as “the process of adapting well, in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or even significant sources of stress”. More commonly it is referred to as ‘bouncing back’. Some of us are born resilient whereas others develop it over time with exposure to threatening situations. Therefore, if you think you lack resilience, do not worry because you can still build it. Resilience can be developed by increasing your optimism in certain situations. For example, it is always beneficial to think “this pandemic may continue but I can look for ways to keep myself occupied and do something I like and I have always wanted to do” rather than thinking “this pandemic seems to be unending and I see no way in which things are going to improve” and to continuously brood over that thought. An important factor that adds to resilience is social support. We are maintaining physical distance but that does not necessarily mean we break our social ties. Given the number of social media platforms that we are aware of we can easily and instantly grow our connections and therefore increase communication. Another way of building resilience is improving our coping skills by exercising, writing journals (using writing as a means of venting out), engaging in mindfulness and breathing techniques that help in relaxation or picking up a lost hobby or a new one that helps you explore your creativity.

• Encouraging Flow: The concept of flow refers to the idea of being completely engaged or absorbed in an activity at hand and one from which people derive enjoyment. Therefore, encouraging flow can be beneficial not just for your creative abilities but also to kill the boredom and increase your motivation. Many artists we know are the one’s who have lost themselves in their work or put simply, are in the flow state.

• Staying Optimistic: The best thing we can do for ourselves and for others around us in times like this is to stay optimistic. It indeed is difficult to cultivate positivism when we see and hear only negatively laden content but it is not impossible to change the way we think and behave. Instead of engaging in the negative self-talk, we can opt to engage in positive self-talk. We, of course, need to stay updated with the latest news and happenings around us but we must put a limit on the amount of negative content that we watch or read. Staying optimistic may not change the things that are meant to happen but it definitely will change the way you feel about yourself and others around.

• Hope: We often use the phrase, ‘let’s hope for the best’ and sometimes in some uncertain situations the most we can do is hope for the best. Things that lie beyond are control must not be pondered upon. Taking the current situation into consideration, we still are unaware of the damage that COVID19 may bring or it may not. We have no control over that so it’s best not to be apprehensive. In fact, we can hope that things will improve for the better. Such hoping gives power to the people to deal with the stress a particular situation brings and makes coping in helpless situations easier.

• Practising Emotional Agility: Emotional agility is defined as“an individual’s ability to experience their thoughts and emotions and events in a way that doesn’t drive them in negative ways but instead encourages them to reveal the best of themselves”- Dr Susan David. Therefore, being able to recognize our emotions and being able to use them in productive ways or choosing to respond to them in ways that work in our favor or in our best interest we can bring out the best in ourselves. By doing so we cope with a lot of challenges that we face every day.

• Fostering Prosocial Behaviour: An important aspect that requires high-priority during a pandemic is prosocial behaviour. By prosocial we mean practising any behaviour that is beneficial for others or behaviour that we engage in taking into consideration the welfare of the society at large. Thereby, obeying rules of maintaining physical distance, wearing masks, washing hands, not going out unless really necessary, following protocols etc. we are engaging in prosocial behaviour. These activities not only keep us safe but also the people around us. Wherever possible contributing or donating in cash or kind or volunteering at required places also adds to prosocial behaviour. Showing gratitude for the things we have and being grateful to the ones who are helping us stay safe amidst this global pandemic is another form of prosocial behaviour and such behaviours help us, in turn, to stay hopeful and optimistic.

The psychological effects of a pandemic are many like depression, suicidal ideations, anxiety, stress, lack of motivation, fear, etc. However, the sole discretion lies upon us to not let the pandemic and pandemic related lockdown or quarantine affect us physically, emotionally, or psychologically. Believing that “every cloud has a silver lining” let’s make ourselves more resilient, optimistic, and hopeful about the future. Stay home. Stay safe.

Writes: Alisha Chettri. She works as a guest faculty in the Dept of Psychology, Sikkim University.

The post Coping During a Pandemic: A Positive Psychology Perspective appeared first on The Darjeeling Chronicle.