“Jiji, did you know that many small industries vanished during COVID-19?”
“Yes, I heard.”
“What do you think was the reason?”
“I don’t know! Everyone has a different reason—how would I know?”
That simple exchange reflects a much larger reality. The pandemic did not just disrupt businesses; it rewired how we work, sell, learn, heal, and even think about value.
When Doors Closed, Screens Opened
During lockdowns, many restaurants and retail stores simply couldn’t function. Physical spaces went quiet. Some businesses shut down permanently. Others adapted quickly—moving online, shifting to home-based models, or operating through warehouses (or godowns, as we call them).
Children, of course, noticed the change too.
“Mom, what is a godown?”
“It means a warehouse.”
“Oh, okay.”
Even everyday vocabulary evolved with the economy.
The Rise of Home Businesses and Niche Expertise
“How is your business going?” I asked a friend.
“You mean my culinary business?”
Yes—home-based culinary ventures, niche food services, and personalized offerings flourished. Individually prepared meals often replaced mass-produced food. Chefs leaned into their ethnic specialties. Authenticity became a competitive advantage.
And food wasn’t alone.
Bloggers, vloggers, podcasters, and content creators carved out strong market presence. Monetization through advertising, sponsorships, and digital promotions became viable income streams. Media itself transformed into a business ecosystem.
Learning, Art, and Finance Go Digital
Online coaching programs—especially in traditional arts, folk arts, and visual arts—began reaching global audiences. Universities expanded online degree programs, a strategic move that changed access to education forever.
Alongside education came finance. Banks, credit institutions, and loan providers adapted their marketing strategies, using data-driven digital tools to reach specific consumers. Decades ago, advertising relied on TV, radio, cinema, and billboards. Today, ads are placed with precision—targeted to readers, viewers, and listeners across platforms.
Distribution at the Speed of Thought
We also witnessed a revolution in distribution. Similar to what Bill Gates once predicted a future where products would move “from the mind to the money purse to the home in minutes.” That future arrived.
Groceries, medicines, lab tests, skill development courses—even prescription drugs—are now delivered digitally and physically with astonishing speed.
Healthcare followed suit. Physicians consult online. Surgeons assist or even perform microsurgeries remotely using robotics. Distance is no longer the barrier it once was.
What Still Cannot Be Outsourced
Yet, despite all this progress, one truth remains unchanged.
No one else can do your mitochondria’s work. Pretty good.
Metabolic activity, self-care, and well-being cannot be automated or delegated entirely. Technology can assist, caregivers can support—but personal responsibility for health remains irreplaceable.
A New Economy, A New Awareness
COVID-19 forced rapid adaptation. Some industries vanished. Others transformed. Many were born overnight. What emerged is not just a digital economy—but a more conscious one, where flexibility, specialization, and human responsibility matter more than ever.
The question is no longer whether we adapt—but how wisely we do, so arise and shine!
