Continuing his interactions with various key representatives of the society for a unified fight against the coronavirus spread in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said social organisations have a big role to play in countering superstitions, wrong beliefs and misinformation even as he maintained that the entire nation is displaying immense resilience, grit and patience in facing the challenge.
The Prime Minister was interacting with representatives of organisations working for social welfare via video conference.
He appealed to them to spread awareness about the COVID-19 outbreak. Modi said that people were seen gathered in places and flouting social distancing norms in the name of belief. He said, it is necessary to highlight the importance of maintaining social distancing during this time.
Those with whom Modi interacted included RSS leader Bhaiyyaji Joshi, Dawoodi Bohra head Qaq Djoher Syedna, Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev, spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Raj Yogini Brahmkumaris sister Jayanti.
He recalled Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi's words that serving the poor and downtrodden is the best way to serve the nation. The Prime Minister praised the dedication and commitment of organisations participating in the video conference, towards serving humanity.
He observed that these organisations have three distinct specialties: a humane approach, massive reach and connect with people and a service mindset. He said, due to these distinctions, such organisations are trusted implicitly.
Modi said that the nation is facing an unprecedented crisis and needs the service of these bodies and their resources like never before. He suggested that they could play a huge role in arranging for basic necessities for the poor. They could also dedicate their medical facilities and volunteers to serving patients and the needy. Modi said, the nation needs both short-term measures and a long-term vision to overcome the challenge.
The representatives of the social welfare organisations praised the leadership of the Prime Minister in guiding the country during the major crisis.
They praised the pro-active measures of the government which, they said, have been effective in controlling the spread of the virus. They pledged support to the PM-CARES fund and said their workforce will be dedicated completely to the cause of serving the nation in this time of crisis. The organisations spoke about their work to meet the COVID-19 challenge through awareness campaigns digital means, distribution of essentials, food packets, sanitisers, medicines and provision of medical help to those in need.
The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of spreading awareness, helping the poor and needy through arranging for basic necessities, provision of medical facilities and dedicating the volunteers to the cause of serving those impacted by COVID-19. He stressed on the importance of giving medical and scientific advice and countering misinformation. Prime Minister also underlined the need to keep working together to face the challenge of the pandemic.
Over the last few days, Modi has been conducting a series of interactions via video conferencing with representatives of different sectors including electronic and print media and medical fraternity besides Chief Ministers of all the States and heads of States of SAARC nations.
