The World Health Organization declared the Coronavirus Outbreak a global emergency on January 31, 2020. India appears to be immune to the ripple effect of the epidemic, much to the surprise of the world.
India, home to 1.3 billion people, has several reasons, including the average public healthcare system and poor hygiene level, to be at a high risk of the novel coronavirus epidemic. But, the number of positive COVID-19 cases found in India so far looks insignificant.
Given low healthcare spending, ever-increasing population, high population density, poor hygiene standards, overcrowded public hospitals, etc., India is on high alert against the Coronavirus Outbreak, but the picture is different. The world is wondering what makes India immune to COVID-19. It is nothing but the Indian way of life or the way Indians live.
‘Namaste’ – the age-old, Indian way of greeting with one’s both hands joined together – is one of the secrets to India’s resistance to the novel coronavirus. A Vedic tradition of the country, Namaste is the way guests are greeted and welcomed in Indian households, at hotels, on airplanes and luxury trains. The coronavirus-hit countries are urging people to change their greeting habits that entail physical contact, like shaking hands, kissing on the cheek, hugging, and giving high-fives. In India, most people are not accustomed to such greetings that maximize the risks of contracting COVID-19.
Intake of hot food is another way India abstains from falling prey to the novel coronavirus. Hot food is served everywhere from temples to community kitchens, hotels, households and roadside food stalls. No matter how grand the gastronomic arrangement is at a family function or community event, not serving hot food turns off guests. Be it dosa, idli, biryani and filter coffee in South India, or jalebi and gulab jamun in North India, or fish curries in West Bengal, or Pav Bhaji in Mumbai, or parathas in Delhi, everything is served and consumed hot.
Indians’ habit of washing their hands now and then and the use of water from kitchens to toilets play a great role in keeping the country fenced against the COVID-19 virus. Washing hands before and after a meal is unique to the Indian way of life in the lower to the upper reaches of society. No household work is done without water, be it cooking, washing, or mopping. Though India ranks low on the global hygiene index, Indians use water, not toilet paper in the loo.
Intake of spicy food is another secret to India’s immunity against the novel coronavirus. The use of spices, including chilies, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, cumin seeds, turmeric, and ginger enriches Indian food with antibacterial properties – which minimizes risks of contracting viruses and reduces vulnerability to bacterial diseases. No matter if western countries have problems with our habit of cooking and consuming spicy food in day-to-day life.
Indian Way of Life is a Key Secret to India’s Resistance to Coronavirus Â
Sri - 05/04/2020