How Creative Use of Technology Helped During the Pandemic

Today, as we celebrate the 23rd National Technology Day, it’s remarkable to see how far we have come since the Pokhran nuclear tests of 1998. Numerous space missions and technological advancements have helped India make a mark on the global stage. But now, as we face one of the most challenging times in recent history—the COVID-19 pandemic—we must ask: is this technology truly helping us save humanity and our planet?

The past month has been frightening and difficult for all of us. Pain and suffering seem to be at their peak, and the problems continue to grow. In these trying times, we are relying heavily on technology to find solutions.

One of the primary concerns during the pandemic has been the impact on our future—our children. We could never have imagined a world where attending schools and institutions would become impossible. The disruption to education has been immense. Thankfully, technology has allowed us to continue providing children with the best learning opportunities possible.

At one point, nearly half of the world’s schools were shut down. This could have been a devastating blow to the education of an entire generation. However, one positive outcome from this crisis has been the opportunity to rethink and reimagine how digital technologies can support teaching and learning in schools.

Globally, countries have united to fight this virus. Data scientists, virologists, and researchers have worked tirelessly to develop vaccines in record time. Distributing vaccines to the public within a year—something once considered impossible—was achieved, thanks to our collective knowledge, dedicated professionals, and technological resources. Still, there is a sense that we could have been even better prepared, given the advancements made over the last few decades.

In India, the past month has seen immense panic and a shortage of critical resources like hospital beds, oxygen, and medicines. In one inspiring case, Vensy Krishna from Hyderabad stepped up when her mother contracted the virus and it became difficult to find vital COVID resources. She, along with her friends, developed an app that connected people with verified information on oxygen suppliers, plasma donors, and medicine providers. Volunteers helped update and maintain the app, offering a valuable service during a time of chaos. Scaling such efforts across cities and towns could greatly improve crisis response.

Similarly, a WhatsApp chatbot—“Intro Bot” at +1 (234) 517-8991—has been helping people find COVID-related resources and information quickly and efficiently.

Technology has also played a vital role in supporting the economy. In a time when the financial system is under severe stress, IT services and digital tools have helped sustain businesses and deliver essential goods to even the most remote parts of the country.

Innovative solutions like home ICU setups have also emerged. With hospitals overwhelmed and medical personnel stretched thin, home-based care solutions are providing critical relief. The idea of setting up ICUs at home would have seemed impossible just a few years ago, but technology has made it a reality. In addition, about 80% of COVID-positive individuals have been recovering at home with the help of e-consultations and online medical advice.

Social media has become another powerful tool in the fight against the pandemic. Influencers and everyday users alike have been posting requests for help, sharing resources, and amplifying urgent needs. Many lives have been saved simply because a message reached the right person at the right time. The unity and compassion shown by netizens coming together to help strangers has been one of the most heartening aspects of this crisis.

As we move forward, we hope this difficult time will soon come to an end. Let us learn from this experience and prepare ourselves to respond even more effectively to future challenges. A virus should never be able to bring the world to a standstill again. Let’s pledge to make Earth a better place to live, before looking for alternatives. Let’s protect and preserve our Mother Earth.