Leadership in the time of Covid-19

Running a powerhouse amid a raging pandemic is never an easy job. As the second wave engulfs the nation, NTPC power heroes are going toe to toe with Covid and ensuring that we continue to power up the society.

Covid has not and can never dampen our spirits and commitment to work. For a power engineer, the un-wavered zeal to serve the country is stronger than any force of nature.

At Lara, we are doing our best with limited infrastructure. We are following strict quarantine norms, frequent RAT testing, strict isolation protocols for Covid patients. We have set up 4 oxygen beds in Mahanadi and have also provided oxygen to patients wherever required.

From allowing our colleagues to work from home to frequent sanitization of the office premises, practising social distancing, strict check on masking to whatnot, we have done our best to ensure that Lara continues to be a safe space and a leading example in efficiently dealing with the pandemic.

On a personal note, operating during Covid while also serving your country and giving your level best every day requires perseverance and courage.

Having received both the shots of the vaccine and battling fever for two days, I felt confident and was ready to be on my feet again. Since then, I have gone to the office regularly, even on Sundays.

Now that I am vaccinated, all my fear is gone. I am frequently visiting sites, interacting with people coming from all walks of life. Immunization gives you the confidence to do your job freely.

However, one should never lower one guard. I and my family are following strict Covid Appropriate Behavior and continue to be extra cautious for at least the next fortnight till the immunity and strength are restored. At home, we follow strict Covid protocols like proper sanitization of clothes and touchpoints and avoiding physical contact.

The way I see it, Covid has allowed being under the same roof. I never thought that I would get the time to spend the entirety of last year with my daughter, who has only gone to Mumbai twice and nowhere else. These times are unprecedented and tough but, we can use them to hone our skills. Covid has also made our lifestyle healthier by cutting down on junk food, regular steaming and exercising.

The downside to all this is that unfortunately, we have also lost a few of our colleagues to Covid and the absence of human touch is making people slip into sadness. But no battle in history has ever been won without hope and even for battling Covid, we need to feel hopeful and positive.

We must believe that brighter days are around the corner and as a society, we need to power through.

I have full faith that once this time ends, together we will come out stronger.

WE NEED TO FIGHT AND BE FIT!

Shri Alok Gupta, CGM, NTPC Lara