Devotee:
Gurudev, Pranam.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam, Baba, Pranam.
Devotee:
Towards the end of 2020, you made a prediction for 2021. You repeatedly mentioned that 2021 would be much worse than 2020. We have seen that happen. You said that economically, in the health sector, and in education, India would fall significantly behind. You also predicted a high number of infections and a rising death toll. Given the current situation, you recently mentioned another specific date: June 22nd. You said that from that date, the COVID situation would start to stabilize. We are seeing that now. Where there were 400,000 to 450,000 daily cases, it has dropped to about 58,000. Where deaths were at 4,000, they have dropped to 1,500. Specifically in West Bengal, what is the situation?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In West Bengal, it is around 1,500 cases and the death toll was 53 today.
Devotee:
So both deaths and infections have decreased.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, 1,500... you might even see it drop to 500 tomorrow. As I said before, I predicted this based on a specific astrological alignment (yoga) during the recent solar eclipse. We predicted that COVID wouldn't last much longer; it would start to recede. However, people must remain conscious. If people are more careful, I don't think it will persist. I still see markets crowded in the mornings; some wear masks, others don't. Since this is a contagious disease, one person can infect ten others. People must be aware. Just because the numbers have dropped to 1,800 doesn't mean we should let our guard down. That would be dangerous. We must continue wearing masks, using sanitizer, and avoiding crowds. If we don't, it could rise again. It keeps changing its form; now they say Delta is coming.
Devotee:
Delta Plus.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, Delta Plus. If we stay conscious, I don't think it will have a major impact. But people often don't listen, and then they have to suffer the consequences. What's worse is that one person's negligence causes others to suffer. Currently, many hospital beds are becoming vacant. Those who get infected should seek testing or hospitalization immediately. The second wave took many lives in India. Almost everyone has lost a relative or an acquaintance. If we can maintain discipline, we can overcome this. We can't rely solely on the government. The government will try to reopen shops and markets because they can't keep people stagnant forever. But we must be equally responsible—avoiding gatherings and maintaining distance. That is the real medicine. Regarding vaccines, they are being distributed in sufficient quantities now. You can book online and get vaccinated nearby.
Devotee:
Gurudev, I made a slight error earlier. The daily cases in West Bengal are closer to 2,000 rather than 1,500.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
That's alright. Whether it's 1,500 or 2,000, it has dropped significantly from 22,000. Bringing it down to 1,000 or zero is possible if people stay conscious. Don't think that just because things are reopening, you can stop wearing masks. The government has no choice but to reopen things eventually, but our safety is in our own hands. I check the COVID "gap charts" every day. The numbers have dropped. I had a calculation based on the solar eclipse that the situation would become negligible after the 22nd. While it won't vanish entirely, it is receding.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I used to get 50 calls a day from all over West Bengal from people saying they had COVID. For the last seven days, I haven't received a single call about a new infection. That tells me the numbers are truly down. Before, people were calling at 2:00 AM saying they were heading to the hospital.
Devotee:
But Gurudev, what about the feared third wave?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Listen, a lot of that is media "business." The newspapers and TV channels are sensationalizing it. I told you not to over-read the news because the statistics they provide aren't always accurate. You just stay cautious. Don't mix too much with people, wear your mask, and use sanitizer. I personally don't wear a mask, as you know, but I have handled both waves by maintaining strict social distance. I didn't let anyone come near me. I haven't even taken the vaccine yet—my doctor told me to wait for Sputnik. I simply stayed away from people.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
But I know that's not possible for everyone. People have to go out for work and food. They are taking risks because they have to. It's pathetic. Doctors are now advising parents with small children to get vaccinated quickly to prevent the spread to children. The third wave is said to be airborne, not just through touch. If parents are vaccinated and keep their children indoors, we can mitigate the impact. The air is polluted, which is dangerous for kids.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I have performed many Homas (rituals) and prayed for this to subside. We are seeing the results now. Let's see where the numbers stand on the 22nd. The second wave hit the lungs hard. I saw two young boys in my neighborhood—boys I had seen grow up—who died because their lungs were compromised. It was heartbreaking.
Devotee:
You have done many episodes warning people to stay safe. If they don't listen, there's nothing more you can do.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Exactly. My calculation showed that after the solar eclipse, the situation would improve significantly. The "residue" will remain for a while, but it's moving downward. Regarding Delta Plus or the third wave, we will see. If things get worse, I will perform more rituals and prayers as I did before. For now, the best thing is to stay alert and keep children safe.
Devotee:
Thank you, Gurudev. You have given a strong message of caution and hope today.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam. It will be fine. There's no reason it won't be.