Say observing hygiene is more important than wearing masks; foreigners visit Pune in usual numbers despite H1N1 scare
Say observing hygiene is more important than wearing masks; foreigners visit Pune in usual numbers despite H1N1 scare
Not one of the eight foreigners screened for swine flu at the Osho Commune in Koregaon Park in August tested positive.
No one at the Commune is wearing masks either and the H1N1 scare has not deterred foreigners from visiting the city.
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No Fear: Siva and Ekin at the German Bakery, Koregaon Park. |
Dr Jaya Bhondave, PMC medical officer in Koregaon Park said, "Since August 6, we have screened 2,992 suspects for H1N1 and only about 1 per cent were people who had travelled abroad. We checked 8 foreigners. Not one has tested positive."
Said Senior Police Inspector Bhanuprasad Barge from the Foreign Registration Department, "There has been no drop in the number of foreigners visiting Pune."
Ajay Parwar, head constable at the registration department said everyday, around 50 to 60 foreign nationals approach the Foreign Registration department for student and tourist visas, despite the pandemic.
Ekin, a sanyasin at the Osho Commune said, "I feel there are other more important issues in India like environmental issues, pollution and malnutrition that one should worry about. There is no reason to be scared of swine flu."
Siva, a sanyasi, said he refuses to wear a mask because that would mean succumbing to fear. "People wear masks out of fear and if I live in fear I won't be able to experience real life.
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As a mediator, I have complete command over my body. Moreover, we are touched by a sensitivity called Osho."
Another sanyasi Michael from Iran said, "The west created a fear of HIV, and there was a rise in the sale of condoms.
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Now, there is the fear of H1N1 and the sale of suitable medication will increase. I won't be a part of it. I am not wearing masks to help the West."
Ma Sadhana, the spokesperson of the Osho Commune, said, "It's true people at the commune are not wearing masks. It is merely out of fear that people are using masks. The right approach is to lead a healthy lifestyle."
