This article about lost learning for a generation leading to lost earnings due to the pandemic makes for a sad reading. There could be a myriad of downstream effects from both losses - earning and learning. A less informed and educated citizenry for one could lead to bad political outcomes, the opportunities for social mobility could disappear and along with it the ability to uplift the generations to follow.
“Not being able to attend school impacts children in many ways: children don’t have an opportunity to learn, they may miss their most nutritious meal of the day, and too many students – especially girls – may lose out on the opportunity to complete their education, which will prevent them from achieving their potential,”
The cost borne by women will be higher and there are cascading effects of that at the family and societal level. Yet a little more personal responsibility and concern for our fellows could help mitigate this crisis. My parents for example are concerned about the how the people in their apartment complex in Kolkata are pressing full steam ahead to celebrate Durga Puja. They are flouting social distancing guidelines, congregating in the common areas to discuss planning and logistics for the upcoming celebration.
Doctors and their spouses are in the mix and yet the overwhelming majority voted to proceed with the celebration as in normal times. The old people are the ones sitting it out because they are fearful of consequences. People who want to go on with their lives are of the opinion this is no big deal and won't impact them. The story is repeated across college campuses here which can't manage to stay open because students decide to party and get a lot of people sick in the process. This is self-inflicted pain upon society with consequences for generations to come.
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