Our Bureau New York, NY
Isolation due to COVID-19 has reshaped the face of humanity. While the world faces great uncertainty with the coronavirus’ strength waxing and waning, the “new normal” has included extended periods of lockdown. With restrictions tied to the coronavirus outbreak leaving millions confined to their homes, everyone is feeling the effects of extended periods of quarantine on the body and mind. One major outcome of sustained solitude is being stuck in loneliness. Human beings are inherently social creatures, and the experience of loneliness can cause profound damage, including impairments in well-being, productivity, creativity, focus, as well as psychological harms and shortened life-spans.
In this context, a timely discussion by an experts’ panel organized virtually by GOPIO-Manhattan on “Alone But Not Lonely – Living In The Reality Of New Normal” on Friday, April 16th, 2021, was attended by hundreds of participants from around the world and broadcast live via Facebook.
The panel of experts included: Dr. Lipi Roy, an internal medicine physician board certified in addiction medicine as well as an MSNBC and NBC News Medical Contributor; Dr. Shuvendu Sen, a pioneer in multiple collaborations leading to superior Institutional performances, has been credited for adopting dynamic and innovative measures to foster higher productivity, employment, and education; Dr. Taruna Chakravorty, a Visiting Professor at Hans Raj College in New Delhi, India, where she teaches Spanish; and, Dr. Arnab Ghosh, physician-scientist is a medical oncologist who specializes in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, with focus of research being making tumor immunotherapy more effective. During a lively and inspiring discussion they shared their wisdom thoughts with anecdotes and real life experiences.
Dr. Roy reminded the audience that “We are all social beings. We thrive on social connections. This need transcends all barriers universally.” While admitting that “Pandemic has affected people differently.” Dr. Roy pointed out: “There are tools within each of us that we can use. We have ways to connect with people. Practicing Meditation, deep breathing. Watching comedies, and talking to people” are effective ways to combat loneliness, Dr. Roy said and added, “Love is the biggest game changer.”
In his address, Dr. Shuvendu Sen, an Ambassador of the New Jersey Re-entry Commission, who contributes to the behavioral and medical health of the formerly incarcerated female population, and a best-selling author of the book, Why Buddha Never Had Alzheimer’s: A Holistic Treatment Approach through Meditation, Yoga and the Arts, thanked GOPIO for its contributions to enhance Indian values and for the many accomplishments. Dr. Sen reminded the audience that “This is not the first time it has happened. The world has experienced similar calamities, changing our well structures lifestyles. We have seen it time and time again. However, whenever we have been hurt, humanity is tremendously powerful to resurface from the dust.”
Dr. Taruna Chakravorty, wife of former Consul General in New York, Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty, a life coach, motivational speaker and healer, 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.” Dr. Chakravorty shared her knowledge about this state of being which is not elusive after all. Her mantra is “Happiness is yours to experience and is well within the reach of us all.”
Dr. Arnab Ghosh, whose goal is to develop strategies in preclinical models and translate them into clinical studies, was instrumental in putting together the panelists. Dr. Ghosh said, The objective of the discussion is “Sharing knowledge and empowering the community, while learning how the pandemic t has impacted the community. And the focus is on people’s life stories and how they have been personally impacted.” He suggested that “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. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO International reminded the audience who for over a year, we are homebound. He said, Vaccination gives us hope. He commended the US government for the great roll out of the vaccination. “We are grateful to Dr. Ghosh, who has become a great assets to the Chapter.” He thanked GOPIO-Manhattan VP Dr. Vimal Goyle and Dr. Asha Samant and the GOPIO Manhattan leadership, especially Shivender Sofat, GOPIO Manhattan President.
