The Government's ADD

3.5 million. According to Reuters, that's how many frontline workers took to the streets, protesting over two days. Ten unions organized the event for better healthcare equipment and a salary above the measly yet typical 3000 rupees (USD 40) a month. Yet where was the massive media coverage? Where were the tv anchors discussing it? Where was the public outrage? There was none. A simple Google search will reveal that a handful of articles regarding the protests were published, and a majority of them were foreign. Just like the Assam floods that affected millions of people were ignored in favour of celebrity gossip, the protests were also whitewashed. This is a sign of how the central government has mishandled the pandemic. A lockdown with a four hours notice, after months of ignored warnings, akin to how Trump finally wore a mask. Migrant workers stranded, starving, people treated like animals in cages. Silencing of doctors who criticised the government. This is what the largest democracy in the world has come to. Now, at over 2 million total cases and the fastest number of rising cases, the country is well on its way to becoming the worst affected country. Yet, the government continues with its narrative and takes no concrete action, ignoring the cries asking for proper equipment from its frontline fighters. It is clear that the onus of their safety is on the individual, and nothing more. One can only hope that the government quickly regains control of the situation.