In these testing times, the frontline workers are doing their bit to fight the pandemic — COVID-19. Individuals too can do their bit to help those in need by tuning in to a global concert, says SUNDAY PIONEER
The Coronavirus-led lockdown is changing the way we are doing things. Be it the work from home culture or online classes or even our normal socialiasing routine, we are slowly adapting to the new normal. However, in these times of crisis not everything is going left. From earth getting time to rejuvenate itself to the entertainment industry seeing new breakthroughs, there are several reasons to beat the blues.
The quote that music can heal the wounds that medicine can’t touch stands true in the current situation. That’s why, stakeholders are geared up for taking concerts too on online platforms. Almost everything is taking the digital route.
With the Indian entertainment industry coming together for a home-to-home fundraiser concert, ‘I for India’, in partnership with Facebook and GiveIndia is rightly utilising the power of music keeping in mind the social distancing norms. All proceeds from the fundraiser concert will go to the India COVID Response Fund managed by GiveIndia.
The mother of concerts, this four-hour long musical evening will be live globally on Facebook today at 7:30 pm and will feature performances and personal messages from more than 85 Indian and global stars — A R Rahman, Akshay Kumar, Arijit Singh, Aamir Khan, Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra and Rani Mukerji to name a few.
The vision for the concert by leaders from the entertainment industry is three-pronged — first, to entertain those locked down in their homes. Second, pay tribute to those who are working on the frontlines. Third, to raise funds for those who have no work and no home and do not know where their next meal is coming from.
Atul Satija, CEO, GiveIndia, says that it the concert backed by several stars feels like a nation coming together. “The fundraiser concert, backed by a fabulous line up of stars, feels like a nation coming together —though we are isolated, we are united in our efforts to win this battle against COVID-19. We have already received tremendous support for our missions to provide humanitarian aid to those most affected by this crisis. But with the concert going live on the world’s largest social media platform, it will help reach the millions of people who want to contribute to this war-like effort. We are extremely grateful to the organisers for putting their trust in us as the donations partner,” he says.
Priyanka Chopra shares her thoughts on how virtual event is bringing everyone together. “Unexpected, uncontrolled, unparalleled. The coronavirus has forged a brutal path across the world, and in the line of fire is well — you me and pretty much everyone across the world. Lockdowns, quarantines, social distancing — yeh hain humara naya normal. Khud ko surakshit rakhne ke liye hume ek dusre se dur rehna pad raha hai. Phir bhi mann hi mann main hum ek saath hain, as always,” she says.
Anushka Sharma says that she in this digital age, even being miles apart, she is feeling more connected than ever. “While we may be social distancing, and that’s the requirement. I don’t think we’ve ever been more connected. People helping each other, spreading awareness just so that we can protect each other and that is the victory of human spirit,” Sharma opines.
On the other hand, Rani Mukerji calls for people to become more vigilant keeping in mind the increase in child abuse.
“Instances of child abuse have increased during lockdown. I urge you all to stay more vigilant. If you see or hear anything, suspicious or odd please report it to the authorities immediately. My daughter Adira calls this coronavirus an invisible monster lurking in the streets, she tells me mamma, this monster will surely go away one day,” she says.
Zoya Akhtar says that may we remember the lessons learnt and never forget we aren’t above nature, we’re just a small part of it.
Shabana Azmi too agrees with Akhtar and says that it’s time to stand united and understand how interdependent we are.
“It’s time we realised how interdependent we are on each other. Irrespective of caste, class, gender, religion or country. It’s time for introspection. It’s time to shed our prejudices, it’s time to come together in kinship and harmony,” Azmi says.
Katrina Kaif hails the frontline workers and says that every penny that will be collected will equip these heroes better. “There are 1000s of frontliners and emergency workers who are putting their lives on the line every day in the fight against COVID-19. Every rupee we collect today will help equip these heroes better thus protect them better. So please help keep safe those who keep us safe,” Kaif says.