Now, other religious gatherings have also added to the mix, and the one unifying and absolutely clear message we take away is that any and every gathering is a super spreader. It does not have to be a particular religion or a caste.
Photo for representational purpose
Even as you read this, plenty of barbs are being traded over the holding of the Kumbh Mela, the spread of COVID-19 and how our battle against this disease has prolonged and become tougher because of mass congregation.
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Now, other religious gatherings have also added to the mix, and the one unifying and absolutely clear message we take away is that any and every gathering is a super spreader. It does not have to be a particular religion or a caste.
Coronavirus does not have a caste or community, so it is only those who benefit from divides who will communalise it.
We, who have seen men and women of Science on the frontline of this battle, researchers who are still working to find out more about this disease, cannot expect them to save us while continuing to have events that fly dangerously in the face of this logic.
It is unfathomable that the government can allow these gatherings to go on, to cave in because of the votes brought in through pandering to religious sentiment, which, in many cases, is simply pressure. On the one hand, leaders talk about cracking the whip on those flouting norms and bring in restrictions, on the other hand, you have mammoth mask-less meets — it defies logic completely.
Do not whip up hate for a community, and desist from falling into the trap of if-they-are-allowed-why-not-us speak that is meant to be bait. While religion and spirituality have and surely will continue to have their place, it is the scientists who we venerate.
Saviours are putting their life on the line for us, but we mock their efforts with these celebrations. The shock and shame should be deep and all-consuming.