New York Times is baffled by India’s coronavirus mystery. India has 138 confirmed cases, and it’s a bit of a puzzle how the world’s second-most-populous nation, with 1.3 billion people, has seemingly remained unscathed so far from COVID 19.

Could it be possible that there could be many more cases in India than have been detected, because of the difficulties of getting tested? Another fact could be that India has managed to so far escape the worst — either because of quick and strict efforts right from the start, or another mix of factors.

Elsewhere in Asia, countries have begun to impose strict measures, including lockdowns in the Philippines and Malaysia and the widespread closure of schools, businesses and entertainment venues in Thailand. Some nations face a worrisome rise in cases without health care systems that can deal with a major outbreak. Early intervention, meticulous tracking, quarantines and social distancing helped Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong get their outbreaks under control.

Factors at play in India:

1. More people in India do Pranayama than elsewhere in the world and may have better lung capacity
2. Social and self-distancing does not lead to emotional distancing in India
3. Elderly are not ignored in India
4. The critical mass of 1% awareness is easy to reach in India. The Ab Ki bar Modi Sarkar campaign showed that everyone in India is approachable through social media. The level of awareness is much higher than elsewhere in the world
5. Unlike China there is freedom of speech and creating awareness
6. India listens to their celebrities and their appeals
7. PM’s appeals have made a difference
8. Ramayana has taught everyone 14 years/ days Vanavas by Lord Rama. Typical social distancing
9. Even Mahabharat the Pandavas faced social distancing exile
10. Vipasna is a way of self-distancing meditation common in India
11. Burka by Muslim women and Purdah by married women was a way of self-distancing discipline
12. Going back to Surya Namaskar in sun light; Jalneti to keep the nose clean and non-irritating; religious practices to keep the one calm; practicing namaskar; speaking softly etc. are easily to switch in India
13. Use of neem as disinfectant on surfaces has been a tradition
14. Tracking of cases in India is easy
15. Jain community uses mouth covering as a routine religious practice. 
16. How to not practice emotional distancing during social distancing: Flattening the curve and social distancing teaches us the difference between being alone and being lonely. Go outside. Spend time in nature, whether it’s just a walk around the block, hopefully with the sun shining overhead, or out along a path by some trees or a body of water. Enjoy feeling the elements and feeling grounded and present and grateful to be alive. Nature helps.
17. Learn to be with yourself in these two weeks, is the teachings of Vedas.

India coronavirus count by state, India coronavirus count today

Dr KK Aggarwal

President CMAAO, HCFI and Past National President IMA