Gracy Maria Subba
The novel coronavirus pandemic which originated
in Wuhan province of China have altered the way of life all around the world.
The Covid- 19, which was declared pandemic by WHO in March 2020, have had
tremendous impact on every section of society especially in developing country
like India. The measures undertaken by the Government to curb the rise of
pandemic have altered the way of life. With uncertainty in every aspect of
life, there has been an increase in mental health problems, economic loss,
unemployment, labour issues, inequality, starvation, suicide, xenophobia,
change in the social and cultural norms etc. The norm of social distancing due
to constant fear of getting infected by the contagious disease has led to
social isolation thereby altering human relations. Sikkim, though having
witnessed zero cases till the month of May 2020, could not stay free from the
disease for longer period of time. Sikkim, too recorded its first case on 23
May 2020 when a 25 year old student returning from Delhi tested positive
for the disease. Thus, with the inflow of students and natives to their home
from various parts of the country, there was surge in the Covid cases which
created social changes.
This article, thus, aims at investigating into
the social change brought about by the Covid- 19 pandemic in the state of
Sikkim.
Covid- 19, Sikkim,
Society
VOL.15, ISSUE No.3, September 2023