Dr. Shivam Jasrotia
In late 2019, the world was introduced to a tiny virus with massive consequences-SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that gave rise to the COVID-19 pandemic. Within months, the virus brought the world to a standstill, challenging healthcare systems, economies, education, and the very fabric of social life. Now, as we stand in the year 2025, the landscape has changed drastically-but the virus hasn’t disappeared. It has merely evolved, and so must we.
From Lockdowns to Living withit
The year 2020 was defined by lockdowns, isolation, masks, and the rush to develop vaccines. The fear of the unknown gripped the globe. Hospitals were overwhelmed. Scientists worked at lightning speed to decode the virus, and the general public became unexpectedly familiar with terms like “flattening the curve,” “herd immunity,” and “RT-PCR.”
Now, five years later, we are no longer in emergency mode. Most people have been vaccinated, some multiple times, and treatments have significantly improved. Variants have emerged-some mild, others more transmissible-but the initial panic has turned into cautious co-existence. COVID-19 has transitioned from a pandemic to an endemic condition in many parts of the world.However, that doesn’t mean the threat is gone. Like the seasonal flu, COVID continues to pose risks, especially to vulnerable populations like the elderly and immunocompromised.
Healthcare: Resilient, But Stretched
One of the most visible transformations has been in the healthcare sector. The pandemic forced rapid innovation: telemedicine boomed, digital health tracking became mainstream, and hospital protocols evolved. However, it also revealed deep cracks-understaffed hospitals, underfunded public health systems, and disparities in healthcare access.In India, especially in rural areas, the lack of robust infrastructure made pandemic management even more challenging. Although significant progress has been made, the need for sustained investment in healthcare remains urgent. Preparedness must be long-term, not reactive.
Mental Health: The Invisible Pandemic
If there was one shadow pandemic that COVID highlighted, it was the mental health crisis. From students struggling with remote education to families grieving the loss of loved ones, the emotional toll was unprecedented.Even today in 2025, we are seeing the psychological aftershocks. Anxiety, burnout, and depression continue to affect all age groups. The silver lining? Mental health is no longer a taboo topic. Governments, schools, and workplaces are gradually recognizing the importance of emotional well-being. But the journey toward normalized, accessible mental health care is still in progress.
Education: A Hybrid Reality
Classrooms across the world shut down in early 2020, and the shift to online education was abrupt and uneven. Students and teachers scrambled to adapt. While urban schools managed to maintain continuity, millions of students in rural and remote areas were left behind due to lack of internet or devices.
Now, hybrid education models are the new norm. Technology is deeply integrated into the learning process, offering flexibility and new opportunities. However, the digital divide remains a concern-and must be addressed if we want equitable education for all.
Economy and Employment: The New Work Culture
COVID-19 reshaped the world of work. The gig economy expanded, remote working became mainstream, and people re-evaluated their work-life balance. Many realized the importance of job security and health benefits, while employers began investing more in employee well-being.India, like other nations, witnessed a wave of start-ups and innovations, especially in health tech, ed-tech, and fintech. But small businesses and daily-wage earners suffered immensely. Economic recovery has been steady, but uneven. Policies must now focus not just on GDP growth, but also on inclusive development.
Science and Trust: A Delicate Balance
The pandemic reminded the world of the power of science-and the dangers of misinformation. While scientists delivered vaccines at record speed, fake news and vaccine hesitancy posed massive challenges.In 2025, we must continue to invest in science education and ensure that the public understands and trusts scientific institutions. Clear communication, transparency, and fighting misinformation must be key goals of public health initiatives.
Environmental Wake-Up Call
Lockdowns inadvertently gave us a glimpse of a cleaner, quieter planet. Air quality improved, wildlife sightings increased, and carbon emissions temporarily dipped. It was a wake-up call to our overconsumption and unsustainable practices.
As we build a post-pandemic world, environmental sustainability must be at the center. Green infrastructure, public transport, and climate-smart policies are more relevant than ever.
Personal Reflection: Resilience and Re-evaluation
As a professor and researcher, I saw firsthand how the pandemic changed priorities. Research went remote, academic schedules were disrupted, but human resilience shone through. We adapted. We connected virtually. We supported one another.
Personally, the pandemic pushed me to re-evaluate what truly matters-health, family, ethical living, and compassion. My vegan lifestyle, rooted in minimizing harm and promoting wellness, gave me a sense of control and peace amidst the chaos.
The Road Ahead
COVID-19 may no longer dominate headlines, but its lessons must not fade. It has shown us that global crises require global cooperation. That science, when combined with empathy, can save lives. That we must be proactive, not reactive.
In 2025, we have the tools, the experience, and the perspective to build a more resilient world. Let’s not waste this hard-earned wisdom. “The virus may mutate, but so can we-toward kindness, preparedness, and sustainability”.
(The writer is Assistant Professor, Department of Biosciences, Chandigarh University)
