A Viral Awakening
--> As I’m writing this, the world is reeling from the attack of yet another mysterious and deadly virus-the erstwhile 2019-nCov, now COVID-19. As the world watches the unfolding story from China, scientists are already at work, trying to develop potential vaccines and antidotes for this virus. Remarkably, a rapid screening test was promptly employed only within weeks of the outbreak and several vaccine candidates are being lined up to be tested in the coming months. A stellar testament to the power of modern science, such a moment calls for reflection to understand and perhaps reset societal priorities. In a world which increasingly undermines intellectuals, knowledge and facts, it is important to reflect how moments of crises like this shine a bright light on the same people and institutions. Most people around the world can afford to sleep peacefully and maintain normalcy in life because they implicitly trust the expertise of scientists, doctors and other inst...