Foreword
As we deal with the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, our response to this situation has been marked not only by our strong determination and resolve but also by looking for creative and innovative ways of doing things.
With this Issue of the India Perspectives magazine, we bring to you the recent developments on the diplomatic front that have enabled not just India, but countries across the world to adopt new ways of conducting leaders’ meetings and global summits. We look at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recently concluded virtual summit with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison that bring out how India has embraced new methods to continue the momentum of diplomatic engagements.
We then analyse how the Vande Bharat Mission has brought thousands of Indians safely back to their homeland in a mammoth effort through air, land and sea routes. We also travel across the country to understand how the nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19 allowed nature to heal and thrive with minimal human interactions and significantly lower levels of pollution.
We further look at how PM Modi’s vision is being realised through pioneering reforms and policies aimed towards reviving the economy post-COVID-19 and setting it on a higher growth trajectory. We then revisit the traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Siddha etc to understand their approach and their emergence as effective systems of alternative medicine to fight the Novel Coronavirus by boosting immunity.
Indian cuisine has traditionally been centred around a balanced diet as per seasonal variations. We explore the age-old recipes made up of everyday ingredients to beat the summer heat. We also present to you simple and traditional ways to make healthier culinary choices in contemporary times.
We partake in several concerts and conventions that have embraced the digital approach in these times to connect to a large audience and helping them overcoming boredom while spreading the message of peace and hope through melodies.
For our photo feature section, we journey across the country in awe of the valiant efforts of Indian frontline warriors and pay homage to their exemplary service to fight COVID-19. We also look at how the hospitality industry has reinvented itself and joined the fight against pandemic by aiding government efforts to contain the contagious disease.
Finally, we look at the changes made to the selection process of the Padma Awards in recent years through a participative exercise to make it a more inclusive process which is bringing recognition and laurels tounsung heroes who have, through their deeds, dedicated themselves towards the betterment of society. We also pay our tribute to legendary personalities of Indian cinema and their contributions that will continue to reverberate across the celluloid for decades to come.
Happy reading!
