India, July 12 -- Face masks too have transformed - from monotonous white ones to stylish and designer wear

By S.B. Devaraj

Masks will become a symbol of a civilised society. If you want to protect yourselves and others from the disease, the use of a mask is important," Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said in his address to the nation via the radio programme Mann Ki Baat.

It began with people wearing masks as protective gear against air pollution that saw a spike in recent times in many parts of the country. Now with the Coronavirus pandemic, masks have become a necessity, so much so that medical stores and other suppliers are having a hard time meeting its burgeoning demand.

Mask making, selling and distributing has turned into a vi...