Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of Covid-19 And Humanity – A Retro-Introspection by Vishnu Mithinti

The pandemic is no longer a breaking headline, but its imprint lingers in our daily lives, fears, and the choices we now make more cautiously. When I picked up COVID-19 AND HUMANITY – A RETRO-INTROSPECTION by Vishnu Mithinti, I didn’t expect it to take me back so vividly—to the eerie silence of lockdowns, the stifling fear of a cough in a grocery store, or the relentless updates of case numbers rising. Vishnu Mithinti, a thoughtful voice with a deep understanding of socio-political undercurrents, offers more than a recollection—he offers reflection. Though not widely known for fiction or bestselling titles, this book marks a mature, sincere literary attempt to process a once-in-a-century crisis and the truths it uncovered about us as a species.

Split into two evocative parts—Retrospection and Introspection—the book journeys through the harsh realities of the COVID-19 pandemic before zooming out to explore what it says about us as a global community. The first section is an unflinching look at the chaos and alienation of the pandemic. It doesn’t dwell on statistics but rather the human cost—the suspicion, the panic, and the emotional implosion of modern society. The second part delves into philosophy, especially the Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—“The world is one family.” Here, Mithinti invites readers to reassess their value systems and imagine a more humane future.

Mithinti writes with a calm urgency—a paradox, I know, but that’s how it feels. His prose is unpretentious, almost like he’s speaking directly to you over a cup of tea. While there aren’t dramatic flourishes or poetic excesses, his language carries weight because it’s rooted in real experiences and cultural ethos. The transition from personal trauma to philosophical musing is seamless, which is no easy feat.

This isn’t a character-driven narrative in the traditional sense; instead, humanity itself is the central "character." Our vulnerabilities, our fear of each other during crisis, our divisiveness, and our potential for unity—these are laid bare without judgment. The standout idea here is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Mithinti doesn’t just name-drop it as a lofty ideal—he unpacks it, giving it context through recent world events and leaders’ actions, particularly India’s vaccine diplomacy.

The book’s two-part structure works well. The first part captures a collective memory—the sudden shifts in everyday life, the fear, and the fight for survival. The second feels like coming up for air, urging us to think bigger. It’s reflective, not reactive. While the pacing slows in the second half, that’s likely intentional—it invites readers to pause and ponder rather than rush to the finish.

Themes of fear, empathy, selfishness, interconnectedness, and redemption run deep throughout. What struck me was the emphasis on remembering—not just what happened but how we felt, how we treated others, and what lessons we must carry forward. There's also a quiet critique of global systems and a hope for more compassionate, collective action going forward.

I won’t lie—certain pages hit hard. Especially when the author describes how a simple sneeze could spark panic or how people began fearing other humans more than the virus. It brought back moments I had almost buried. The emotional tone isn’t melodramatic—it’s raw and grounded. And when he transitions to the hope of global unity, it feels earned, not forced.

The biggest strength is the book’s authenticity. It doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, but it dares to ask important questions. The fusion of cultural philosophy with recent history adds depth. I also appreciated the way it moved from personal to global without losing emotional intimacy.

Some sections in the second part could have benefitted from tighter editing. A few ideas were repeated more than necessary, which slightly disrupted the otherwise steady flow. Also, readers expecting data-driven or journalistic accounts of the pandemic might find it more philosophical than factual. But in the context of what the book sets out to do, these are minor hiccups.

For me, this book felt like a mirror—sometimes uncomfortable, sometimes reassuring. It reminded me of how I struggled to explain the pandemic to my daughter, how we clapped for health workers on balconies, how I questioned what truly mattered. Mithinti’s words brought me back to those moments but also offered a larger lens through which to understand them. That’s rare.

COVID-19 AND HUMANITY – A RETRO-INTROSPECTION is more than a memoir or philosophical essay—it’s a call to remember, reflect, and rise. It doesn’t scream for change; it gently urges us toward it. If you’re someone who lived through the pandemic (and aren’t we all?), this book will likely stir something in you.

I genuinely hope Mithinti continues to write—his voice is one we need more of in these fragmented times.

#COVIDReflections #VasudhaivaKutumbakam #BooksThatMakeYouThink #HumanityFirst #PandemicMemoirs