Devotee:
Pronam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pronam, my son. Pronam.
Devotee:
Gurudev, your YouTube channel, "Guptasadhana Syamakhyapa," is about to complete one year. It started on December 2, 2019. Since then, we have gained many subscribers and viewers. We would like to express our gratitude and respect to them. Along with our viewers, we have a special guest today, Dr. Nilanjan Bhattacharjee. First, I would like to ask him: Doctor, as a medical professional, what is your opinion on the current COVID-19 situation? How are people coping with this atmosphere?
Dr. Nilanjan Bhattacharjee:
To be honest, this is a completely new disease. We literally had no prior idea about it, and scientifically speaking, our understanding is still limited. All I can say is that public awareness is crucial. The government, healthcare workers, and people at various levels are working hard. It is not just about one individual, a doctor, the government, or a village panchayat saying something; awareness is needed at every level. People have become quite conscious, and we must maintain this for a while longer. We must patiently follow the guidelines and restrictions we have adhered to so far. There is hope for a vaccine, but until an effective vaccine—one with at least 70% certainty—is available, we must continue to live cautiously.
Devotee:
I have another question for you. We see COVID cases increasing rapidly in places like Maharashtra and Delhi. Could that impact West Bengal?
Dr. Nilanjan Bhattacharjee:
See, there are many fallacies in the state-wise data we receive. There could be false-positive reports. For example, many people with a fever might just take paracetamol at home and not get tested. If they did, they might test positive—or negative. So, it is difficult to rely solely on data. However, Maharashtra is definitely ahead of us in terms of spread. But today, instead of thinking state-wise, we should think as a country, or rather, as Gurudev says, as a world. The entire world is facing a crisis, and it is everyone's responsibility to take the necessary steps to save the planet. Otherwise, we might face even greater dangers in the future.
Devotee:
Another question, Doctor. We see many patients who have recovered from COVID. Is it safe for them to move around or travel at this time?
Dr. Nilanjan Bhattacharjee:
That depends on how much time has passed since they had COVID and how much damage was caused to their lungs. COVID symptoms are categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. Not everyone needs hospitalization; many recover fully in home isolation. So, the "grade" is important. Regarding whether they should go out, a person must analyze their own post-COVID physical damage. If the damage is significant, they should consult their doctor. We officially say people can return to work after 14 days because everyone needs to earn a living; we cannot stay home forever. But that movement should not be at the cost of their life. For a patient whose lungs are severely damaged, we wouldn't advise them to risk a train journey where they might suddenly fall ill. There is no generalized guideline like "two months" or "three months"; we must evaluate case by case.
Devotee:
Friends, now we move to Sujit Kar, an environmentalist. Sujit-da, is there a connection between the current COVID atmosphere and the weather? Does the changing weather—sometimes hot, sometimes cold—affect the situation?
Sujit Kar:
Actually, viruses are intricately linked with the environment. No virus on Earth can keep its nature constant during climate change. The COVID virus we are seeing—if it is indeed artificial, though that is a debate—reportedly originated in temperatures around 15 to 16 degrees Celsius. Consequently, as the sun moved north toward the polar regions, COVID spread there. Now, as winter begins in our country and the sun moves south, a second wave is starting in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a vital point because viruses adjust to climatic temperatures. Sometimes they even change their nature, which can confuse medical science. We saw this with Dengue, where symptoms kept changing. COVID is similar; its initial nature is changing. In current temperatures (19°C to 27°C), if it drops another 3-4 degrees, the virus might become more active. However, viruses typically start to weaken after 8 to 14 months. You'll notice that while many were dying initially, the death rate has now decreased significantly. This could be because doctors are more experienced now, but it's also likely the virus itself is losing its fatal edge. So, it is deeply connected to the climate, and we have to wait and see how it behaves this winter, as it is the first winter for this virus in India since it started spreading around late February.
Devotee:
Gurudev, you have heard the opinions of these two experts—a doctor and an environmentalist. Based on their discussion, what message do you want to give to the people?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Weather is a massive factor. Just as the weather changes every moment, COVID is also changing in sync with it. It is confusing doctors. One treatment works, then they have to try another. To be honest, this COVID-19 is a failure for doctors. I am saying this even though the doctor is here—they aren't familiar with it. In our language, we call this "Jaiba Juddha" (Biological Warfare). A biological war has started with COVID. It's possible that diseases like cholera or pox, which killed many in the past, have been preserved. If these pathogens are processed and released through some means, another crisis could arise. Since the virus keeps changing, how can doctors keep up? Sujit mentioned it might last about a year and a half. We won't know for sure until this winter passes. In Mumbai, by the Arabian Sea, there isn't much "cold," yet cases are rising.
Sujit Kar:
An important point, Gurudev. The Pacific Ocean and Antarctica are actually storehouses of viruses. Due to global warming, ice sheets are cracking at a high speed. We don't know how many variable viruses will become active. As the Pacific Ocean temperature rises, these viruses change their nature and move toward the land. Millions of variable viruses are stored in these places. We don't know when they will emerge or how they will attack humans. About 230 crore years ago, during the Great Ice Age, there was massive global warming. The first victims were the dinosaurs, the most advanced creatures of that time. Today, humans are the most advanced, and we will be the first victims of this global warming. It won't happen overnight, but through various diseases, cyclones, and earthquakes. Humans will eventually have to make way. Nature is recycling itself. We have damaged the environment so much that it is now recovering, and to recover fully, it may need to remove its greatest threat—humans.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
That is a very true point. We must become aware and move in harmony with nature. Dr. Nilanjan said people need to be very conscious. Look at the food we eat today—it's all hybrid, grown with pesticides and poisons. This is harmful to the body. How long can the human body endure this? People are terrified of COVID. As for the weather, the future looks concerning. Nature will take its course, even if it means the loss of many human lives. We must stay in touch with doctors; they are the ones who will provide treatment. We should follow their advice to stay healthy.
Devotee:
Friends, you have heard this discussion. It is up to you what to accept and what to leave. Gurudev has given his blessings, and you have heard the experts.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It is a sobering thought. We perform Homa (fire rituals) and Pujas, and it does help. If everyone participated, the virus might not have spread so much. But what can we do alone? We continue our practices, trusting in God. These viruses are unknown to everyone. Even the Vedas and Upanishads are being studied now to find a solution. No matter the origin of the disease, its impact is severe.
Devotee:
Thank you, Gurudev, for this discussion on the current situation. I hope our friends have listened carefully. Gurudev's blessings are with you all. Pronam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pronam, my son. Pronam.