Sigh of relief: India is COVID-free

By S Sharmili

AS 2025 comes to a close, India has "officially" declared itself COVID-free, with no active cases reported as of December 31. This marks a significant change from the beginning of the year when the nation recorded a total of 30,567 COVID-19 cases (since January 1) across its 33 states and union territories. Kerala faced the brunt of the pandemic with 8,756 cases, while Meghalaya had the least, with only one reported case. Tripura, too, saw around 33 infections throughout the year.

Fortunately, there were no deaths attributed to the virus, and all patients managed to recover after treatment.

Despite this positive development, the societal and economic ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic remain evident. The crisis not only took millions of lives but also disrupted the ability of loved ones to bid farewell properly to the deceased as fear of the infection prevented many from conducting last rites. Parents lost their lives, leaving children unable to perform necessary funeral rituals, and there were widespread fears that hindered timely medical assistance. The lockdown periods were particularly distressing, leading many to endure food scarcity without a clear tally of the number severely affected.

Although recent surveys indicate discrepancies in the reporting of infection and mortality rates during the pandemic, anecdotal evidence suggests that many individuals may have died from complications like heart failure or due to inadequate treatment rather than the virus itself. Yet, as the burden of COVID-19 wanes, there is an optimistic sentiment that the world, including India, can now reflect on the trials endured and look forward to restoring health, environmental stability and economic recovery.

With India triumphantly overcoming the pandemic by year-end, the hope is that while the lessons of COVID-19 remain, society can move forward, ready to confront any new health crises with resilience. As we embrace 2026, the nation celebrates the successful eradication of the coronavirus, symbolising a fresh start and renewed spirit.

(The writer is an independent journalist)

December 31, 2025