New Delhi: Organisations involved in social welfare can play a big role in countering superstitions and misinformation about coronavirus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday.
In the name of belief, people have been seen gathering in places flouting social distancing norms. So there is need to educate them about the importance of social distancing to check the spread of the deadly virus, he said.
Addressing organisations involved in social work via video conferencing here, Modi said they can play a huge role in arranging basic necessities for the poor and can dedicate their medical facilities and volunteers to serve patients and the needy.
The nation is facing an "unprecedented crisis" and "needs the service of these organisations and their resources like never before", Modi was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the PMO.
Highlighting that the nation needs both short-term measures and a long-term vision to overcome the challenge posed by the outbreak of the viral infection, Modi observed that "these organisations have three distinct specialities: humane approach, massive reach and connect with people and a service mindset".
"This is why they are trusted implicitly", he said.
Yoga guru Ramdev, who announced a donation of Rs 25 crore towards the Prime Minister National Relief Fund, and RSS senior leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi were among the participants at the video conference.
Attendants included those from several socio-cultural organisations, such as the representative of Dawoodi Bohra community Syedna Mufaddal, Syed Naserudin Chisty, founder and chairman of the All India Janashin Sajja-danashin Council (AISS-C) of Ajmer Dargah. Chisty met Union Home Minister Amit Shah earlier this month to discuss “important issues” and has paid visits to Jammu and Kashmir as part of a Sufi delegation where he said “Kashmir is an integral part of India”.
Recalling that Mahatma Gandhi used to say that serving the poor and the downtrodden is the best way to serve the nation, the prime minister praised the dedication and commitment of the participating organisation towards serving humanity, the statement said.
The organisations also talked about the work being done by them currently to meet the challenge through awareness campaigns by digital means, distribution of essentials, food packets, sanitisers, medicines and provision of medical help to those in need.
(With inputs from PTI)
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