How did Indian culture affect the world during Corona pandemic period?

Q14. How did Indian culture affect the world during Corona pandemic period? (20m)

Introduction

COVID-19 has caused a serious impact on almost every society of the earth. Despite supposed massive progress in the scientific realm, it has brought this world to its knees. Indian cultural values such as Namaste, yoga, and ayurveda.

Globally, people are turning towards Indian lifestyles of minimalism; making more thoughtful purchasing decisions and consciously putting in efforts to both “preserve” and “conserve”. People are now aware that it’s only their body’s resistance and mind’s resilience that can enable them to cope in this vulnerable world.

Trends towards Indian ancient lifestyle of vegetarianism, fertiliser free food, yoga, usage of herbs based medicine is gaining prominence.

Studies indicate that recent lifestyle changes (work from home and lack of in-person interactions) have led to a rise in psychological sufferings.

Yoga and meditative practices (earlier rejected as being slow, monotonous and ineffective) have proven to be particularly useful in allaying anxiety and fight social isolation. It has been an effective tool in ensuring the physiological and psycho-social care. On the spiritual and cognitive level, people (especially Indians) across the globe are resorting back to ancient Indian scriptures in search of answers. At the spiritual level, ancient Indian texts (Bhagwat-Gita and Vedas) have gained unprecedented traction. Traditional scriptures and meditative practices (Dhyana) offer myriad ways for us to release ourselves from the pain and regret of what has already passed. In this world of uncertainty, where anxiety and fear get triggered by unforeseen situations or the thought of a future, such practices can be a serious source of comfort.

a new start-up named “The Ramayana School”, founded by Shantanu Gupta, has gained global prominence during Corona pandemic. Their concept of the live online workshop on leadership lessons from Ramayana (for children of age 7-14 years) and Global Ramayana Olympiads has connected them with thousands of families (NRI’s and foreign nationals) from over 15 countries across the globe.

Even, the smallest of things like social etiquettes, gestures and ways of greeting have seen a radical change, keeping in mind the protocols laid down by WHO. Across the globe, people are avoiding hugs, handshakes, high-fives and resorting to ‘Namaste’ (an archaic Indian practice of non-contact based greeting).

In terms of diets and eating habits, the world is switching over to healthier alternatives with food industry witnessing gradual adaption. People have become more conscious of their lifestyle choices and opting for Satvik-diet (sustainable plant-based alternatives).

Ayurveda, an important, but often overlooked segment of healthcare has witnessed a spike in demand and regulatory global-acceptance in form of the immunity-boosting supplement. In the absence of allopathic medicine offering a definite cure, the demand for naturopathy and traditional herbal medicines has been on the rise. Proving to be an effective preventive treatment, it can complement (rather than be an alternative for) modern western medicine.

Conclusion

India is the oldest surviving civilization in the world. Its traditional knowledge around health, food, naturopathy and human psychology are time tested and can provide the remedy to modern global challenges.

Check out the UPPSC Mains GS Paper 1 2023 Analysis with detailed expatiation of the topics of Mains GS Paper 1 By the Study IQ Experts