For illustration purpose only
A global study was conducted concerning the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic during the year 2020 on rich and super-rich people in the world. It was found that the wealth of several of them (no need to name them) had doubled or more. A similar study was made in India and again no surprises since hundred of the richest Indians had gained more wealth during the pandemic.
The results are ironical because most of the countries had lockdowns (of varying degrees). Yet, a handful of people in the world made crores of rupees and feathered their already overflowing nests. It would be interesting to make an in-depth study as to how this was possible and whether fair or foul means were practiced by these people to add to their wealth.
In contrast we saw, read or heard of crores of migrant people who trudged on empty stomach and penniless all the way to their home states which were thousands of kilometres away. There are no actual figures as to how many died during the arduous journey in the Indian summer. Hats off to the resolute migrants who made it. Had the super-rich even spent a few per cent of their wealth the deprived people could have been immensely assisted by way of food, shelter and transport.
The whole process could have been streamlined with the help of the governments (State, Central) and the battle-hardened and ever-helpful Indian defense personnel. Now the time has gone for any such remedial measures. Let us leave the super-rich people to enjoy and think of ways to treble their wealth if there is (God forbid) another pandemic.
SRIDHAR D'IYER, Caranzalem
