ON THE OTHER HAND
In Douglas Adams’ Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, the eponymous lead character practices what he calls ‘Zen detection’ — which is basically doing nothing at all. That’s because Gently firmly believes in the principle of ‘the fundamental interconnectedness of everything.’ So, if you sit back and do absolutely nothing, the universe will eventually get you to where you should be.
The COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the world has brought home the truth of the theory of fundamental interconnectedness of everything. From governments to corporates to individuals, worldwide lockdowns, and the disruptions they have caused in their wake, have made them realise how interconnected their activities really are — and how a disruption in one part of this complex chain can have unimaginable consequences elsewhere.
When plans fall short
But Gently’s response — of sitting back and doing nothing, and waiting for the universe to show the way — is not a luxury any of us can afford. If there is one thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has taught the world, it is that everyone needs to plan — not just for the unexpected, but the unimaginable. Governments need a plan. Companies need a plan. Above all, even individuals need a plan, to deal with a situation when the world as you know it stops working the way you expect it to.
Denne historien er fra April 16, 2020-utgaven av The Hindu Business Line.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 16, 2020-utgaven av The Hindu Business Line.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Covid Presents An Opportunity For India
India must attract investors exiting China post-Covid. Streamlining of project clearances and relaxation in FRBM norms will help
Did Alternative Assets Shield You From Covid-19 Volatility?
The assets closely linked to stock and debt markets could not stave off the losses
How To Put Aircraft To Bed
Preserving grounded planes, to get them up and flying at short notice, is a challenging task. Ashwini Phadnis captures the process
There Can Be No Going Back On WFH
Covid-19 has fast-forwarded the shift to ‘work from home’. However, some face-to-face connect will always be needed
UN, WHO Urged To Ensure ‘Benefit Sharing' Of Covid-Related Data
Biopharma firms should reach vaccines, medicines to poor nations at an affordable price, say civil society bodies
With No Clear Signal From Rlys, States Explore Ways To Bring Back Migrants
Quarantine centres, cross-country buses being arranged even as migrants hop on to boats, trucks and ambulances
Centre Allows All Neighbourhood Shops To Open But With Riders
Final call will be taken by local authorities; shopping complexes that draw fewer ‘outsiders’ are permitted to operate
Covid Impact Relatively Muted In India
Compared to Italy and the US, India’s rate of infection spread has been slow. This can be attributed to the strict measures in place
How Global Trade Will Fare Post-Covid
China isn’t likely to lose its pre-eminent position soon. India, for one, will need to make manufacturing globally competitive
How To Curb Harassment In The Virtual Office
Training and sensitisation are essential. Institute a strict dress code and chat etiquette to ensure professionalism during video calls