GOPIO panel discusses “Alone But Not Lonely – Living In The Reality Of New Normal”
Isolation due to Covid-19 has left millions confined to their homes making long periods of loneliness and absence of social contact the “new normal”.
How do humans, who are inherently social creatures, cope with this forced loneliness that can impair well-being, productivity, creativity, focus, as well as psychological harms and shortened life-spans?
A panel of experts shared their thoughts with anecdotes and real life experiences at a virtual discussion organized by GOPIO-Manhattan on “Alone But Not Lonely – Living In The Reality Of New Normal” on April 16.
Hundreds of participants from around the world joined the discussion broadcast live via Facebook, according to a Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) press release.
“The past year been very difficult as the Covid pandemic has affected us in unique and universal ways,” said Dr. Lipi Roy, an MSNBC and NBC News medical contributor, with most people “isolated from routine life.”
“We are all social beings. We thrive on social connections. This need transcends all barriers universally,” she said while acknowledging that “Pandemic has affected people differently.”
“There are tools within each of us that we can use. We have ways to connect with people,” Roy said, “Love is the biggest game changer.”
Dr. Shuvendu Sen, best-selling author of ‘Why Buddha Never Had Alzheimer’s’, reminded the audience that “This is not the first time it has happened.
“The world has experienced similar calamities, changing our well structures lifestyles,” he said. “We have seen it time and time again. However, whenever we have been hurt, humanity is tremendously powerful to resurface from the dust.”
While so many of us have experienced the feelings of doom during the pandemic, we have had the HOPE that humanity will come out of that even stronger, Dr. Sen said.
Dr. Taruna Chakravorty, a Visiting Professor at Hans Raj College in New Delhi, said, she loves to work with people of all ages, helping them to live their lives happily and joyously.
Her mantra is “The human spirit is meant to soar the skies in joyful abandon, free from fear, full of love and compassion.”
“Happiness is yours to experience and is well within the reach of us all,” Chakravorty said, “There is no need looking for something outwards, but look inwards.”
“Be conscious of what make you happy and uplifts you. And you can impact and help all around you. It is in our hands and we need to make the decision. Being happy is a conscious choice,” she stressed.
Dr. Arnab Ghosh, physician-scientist and medical oncologist, suggested “doing simple things like wearing masks and distancing and learning how one behavior affects me and the society at large. We are all in this together. Science has given us the hope.”
Dr. Asha Samant, the International Coordinator of GOPIO shared about the series of panel discussions organized by GOPIO Manhattan Chapter for educating the public about the pandemic.
Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO International commended the US government for the great roll out of vaccination.
Shivender Sofat, GOPIO Manhattan President, shared some of the initiatives by the Chapter, especially the political and community engagement, supporting the student population and Community Feeding every month.