COVID-19 AND SOCIAL CHANGE- A BRIEF STUDY OF SIKKIM

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.