SHUBHANGI SHIFA
Ranchi, April 27: The Departments of Botany and Microbiology at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, under a joint effort organised a lecture to commemorate the Amrit Mahotsav by Dr Devesh Kumar, associate dean, Research, Department of Preventive & Social Medicine, RIMS on Wednesday.
Dr Kumar on the occasion, talked on the topic ‘History of Pandemics’, wherein he explained the time period and characteristics of each pandemic, be it the Bubonic Plague or Swine Flu. While talking about the issue, Dr Kumar said, “HIV and AIDS were also considered a pandemic, however, now it is endemic.”
He further talked of his experience, dealing with swine flu as a student in Delhi. He talked of wearing PPE kits then to treat patients and his fear of contracting the virus. He further talked of a few pandemics in detail stating, “All people should know of other pandemics as well as the experience would or may help them in future. Experts believe the decade between the years 2021 and 2030 will be known as the ‘Decade of Pandemics’.”
He further said that melting ice caps due to global warming may be the reason for the next pandemic. Furthermore, while explaining how pandemics may also in some ways be beneficial for the human race, he said, “Pandemics clear way for innovation and advances sciences, economy and political systems.”
He further shared his memory of working with the first Corona patient from Malaysia in Ranchi and how he faced the two years. He also shared with students several experiences that he had during the pandemic and the consequent lockdown.
While talking of the upcoming fourth wave of Covid, he said, this time situations will be much easier as compared to the past as the maximum number of people are either vaccinated once or twice, while several others have also taken booster shots. The doctor also answered the questions of the students present at the lecture.
University Registrar Dr Namita Singh, DSW Dr Anil Kumar, Head of Botany Vidyaan Kumari, Dr Shalini Lal, Dr Geetanjali Singh, Dr Ashok Nag, Dr Aparna Sinha, Dr Ganesh Baskey, among others were present on the occasion.
