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Teaching Biblical Studies in a Pandemic: India

The people of democratic India were given only four hours’ notice before lockdown measures took effect on 24 March 2020. Despite the fact that the decision was made by the central government without sufficient preparation and without consulting state governments, India was initially praised for its forcefulness and for the methodical manner in which it closed educational institutions; borders, both international and domestic; sporting events; and the film industry. The measures were strict, and the numbers of those infected with COVID-19 were low relative to the 1.38 billion plus people for whom India is home. The Indian people were delighted and gratified that they had such an efficient government that sought to stem the spread of the virus. India scored the highest rating of 100 for its lockdown measures, according to a “stringency index” framed by researchers at Oxford University.1 As of 23 August there were over 3,105,185 confirmed cases with 57,692 dead.2 With India ranking third after the United States and Brazil, these numbers are exposing the weaknesses in the lockdown measures and their implementation. The very quick and abrupt measures came with several “blindspots,” putting at risk the lives of the millions in India who are impoverished and vulnerable. Women, children, and the Dalits who make up a large percentage of the poor have been absent from the government’s COVID-19 policy. The crisis has accentuated and