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s the country continues to remain in a state of lockdown, whichever definition the government chooses to go by, or whatever critique experts may have regarding its implementation and impact, it has largely paralysed the country’s social and economic life. The significant impact of these life-altering measures is becoming more evident with each passing week, particularly for those individuals, livelihoods and businesses that have been hit in the immediate. For the rest, the inevitable is not too far away. Perhaps, a little time and innovation could offer some relief, if not complete security.

From economic realities that appear to highlight the sheer magnitude of the crisis emerging due to the ongoing pandemic to our social behaviours that have witnessed an unprecedented change, we look at the various subjects that have triggered new debates, or have matured older debates into more pertinent discussions.

While limitations on religious gatherings had initially garnered much criticism, with the advent of Ramazan the government gave in to demands for holding religious congregations on the condition that safety, hygiene and social distancing measures be strictly followed failing which the imposition of a ban could be considered. Given how the same subject had attracted very little debate across the Muslim world with governments and the clergy clearly prioritising public safety and health over religious congregations leaves much to be desired locally, especially when it comes to subjects we are ready to label as ‘sensitive’.

And while we continue to struggle to make sense of the crisis we are in, the need to focus on scientific methods to control this pandemic has become all the more urgent. Whether it is to trace the spread of the virus or to treat it or even form opinions about it, scientific approach appears lacking not just locally but across the globe. Experts must be allowed to pave way for policies and strategies that could help us control the pandemic.

It is in times like these that we most need the will to be objective in our approach towards adversity without losing empathy or sanity. That should be the real debate.