Poor Need Food, Not Vaccine
The United Nations Security Council on Friday unanimously adopted a resolution upholding ‘vaccine equity’ and that the availability of Covid vaccine must be increased in conflict-affected and poor countries. This means that the United Nations is demanding that rich countries be stopped from getting the Covid vaccine on priority as it is depriving the poor countries of the vaccine. It appears that the decision of the United Nations is humane. But what are the actual demands of the poor countries in the difficult times of the Coronavirus?
According to the United Nations, poverty has increased across the globe due to the Coronavirus and this is set to substantially increase in the coming days. Similarly, crores of poor people have been kept out of the education system. Developing countries such as India are significantly reducing the budgetary allocation for education. Most importantly, fatal diseases such as tuberculosis have exploded in poor countries. It is already established that the Coronavirus is not a deadly disease. Poor countries are not demanding the Coronavirus vaccine but are anxious about food, education, and other diseases that are exacerbating. The United Nations should have extended a helping hand to poor countries in handling these issues but it appears that it has considered the Covid vaccine as the immediate necessity of these poor countries.
It is a truth that everyone understands that the coronavirus declined not due to any vaccine. Even though our country manufactured the vaccine, even well-informed people are hesitating to get themselves vaccinated. Health workers and even doctors have expressed their reservations. And the government has failed to meet its goal in providing vaccine. Politicians and government officials have not yet come forward to get themselves vaccinated. The government that has spent crores of rupees on the vaccines is trying to impose it on people by trying to spread the fear about the second wave of the Coronavirus through the media. It is also threatening the imposition of another lockdown. Initially, the government announced that poura karmikas would be vaccinated on priority. This meant that it had designed a programme of vaccinating poura karmikas first and based on the results of this drive, provide vaccine to others. But, objections were raised widely against such a design of making poura karmikas guinea pigs. This is the same reason why the United Nation’s decision seems suspicious.
Experts are now suspecting whether the decision has been taken to experiment with poor nations to establish whether the vaccine is successful or not. People are also beginning to question the concern of the United Nations about Covid when lakhs of poor people are dying due to the lack of treatment for fatal diseases such as tuberculosis and Cancer. During the lockdown, migrant workers had openly raised their objections against the government and had said “We are not scared of the Coronavirus but are scared of hunger.” Even now, poor countries are not unduly worried about the Coronavirus because these countries have witnessed more deaths and distress caused due to poverty than the Coronavirus and also due to other diseases for which people did not receive medicines. Yes, we must deal with the coronavirus. But it does not make sense to talk about the Coronavirus by neglecting abject poverty that has haunted the world for several decades.
According to the 2020 data of the World Health Organization, 45 per cent of deaths of children below five years of age is due to malnutrition. Across the world, about 47 million children are suffering anemia, 14 million children are suffering severe anemia, and 144 million children have stunted growth. Areas ravaged by conflict in the world are becoming huge hubs of poverty and malnutrition. Conflict and drought, deficient rainfall are causing deaths due to hunger. International agencies such as the World Health Organizations have warned about a possible increase in deaths (this has specifically increased during the Coronavirus) due to hunger in conflict-ridden areas. All these reports preceded the coronavirus. After the lockdown, the data throws up a very scary picture. The situation of farmers of small land holdings and labourers is very worrying with many losing employment opportunities due to the lockdown.
In the absence of transportation and connectivity issues, farmers have faced losses. Economically destroyed and distraught, they have reached a situation of having to sell their land. The government is also making adequate arrangements for farmers to sell their land with corporate forces using this situation to their advantage. If it is now being projected that the immediate need of farmers is vaccine, how can people believe this? In India at least, several controversies have erupted over the vaccine. The pride that the vaccine is indigenous seems to be working against it. The government should therefore increase the confidence among people about the vaccine. Politicians and senior government officials should first get vaccinated. Then, the poor will also feel confident about the vaccine. Instead of doing this, use of threats of another lockdown, prospects of a rising second wave, and emotional pressure as part of attempts to vaccinate the poor are not right. If the government wants to resort to such attempts, then it must provide insurance cover to all those who get vaccinated. The government should take the responsibility for any side effects due to the vaccine and provide appropriate compensation to the people.
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Prez confers Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on 17 children for excellence in various fields
New Delhi, Dec 26: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday presented the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to 17 children, recognizing their exceptional courage and outstanding achievements across diverse fields, including art, culture, sports and innovation.
The President underlined the importance of nurturing and celebrating young talents.
"Providing opportunities and recognizing children’s talents has always been a part of our tradition. This tradition should be further strengthened to ensure that every child realizes their full potential," she said.
The award celebrates extraordinary accomplishments in seven categories: art and culture, bravery, innovation, science and technology, social service, sports and environment.
The honourees -- seven boys and ten girls selected from 14 states and Union territories -- were presented with a medal, certificate and citation booklet.
Among them was Keya Hatkar, a 14-year-old author and disability advocate, recognized for her excellence in art and culture.
Despite living with spinal muscular atrophy, she founded initiatives like "IM POSSIBLE" and "SMA-ART," promoting inclusivity and disability awareness.
President Murmu highlighted the importance of honouring such talents, saying, "The tradition of recognising and nurturing children's potential has always been part of our culture. Their contributions will lead India to the pinnacle of progress."
She further emphasised the Ministry of Women and Child Development's role in sharing these stories of inspiration with the wider public.
The President also paid homage to the unparalleled sacrifices of Guru Gobind Singh's sons, commemorated as 'Veer Bal Diwas' on December 26, saying, "Their sacrifices for faith and self-respect continue to inspire countless generations. On this day, the nation bows in reverence to their bravery and spirit."
Among the other awardees was Ayaan Sajad, a 12-year-old Sufi singer from Kashmir, honoured for his soulful contributions to Kashmiri music, while 17-year-old Vyas Om Jignesh, who has cerebral palsy, was lauded for his dedication to Sanskrit literature, having memorised over 5,000 shlokas and performed in over 500 shows.
In bravery, Saurav Kumar (9) was recognised for saving three girls from drowning, and 17-year-old Ioanna Thapa was honoured for rescuing 36 residents from a fire.
"Examples of courage and patriotism in children strengthen the nation’s confidence in its future. Such acts are truly commendable," President Murmu remarked as she presented the award to the two children.
In the innovation category, 15-year-old Sindhoora Raja was awarded for creating self-stabilizing devices for Parkinson's patients, and cybersecurity entrepreneur Risheek Kumar (17) was honoured for launching Kashmir's first cybersecurity firm.
"Contributions to science, technology, and innovation by children like these show their unparalleled potential to transform lives," the President observed.
Hembati Nag, a judo player from a Naxal-affected area was awarded in the sports category. She overcame numerous challenges to win a silver medal at the Khelo India National Games.
Mentioning Nag's story, President Murmu said, "Hembati's resilience amidst adversity is an example of unmatched courage and determination."
Chess prodigy Anish Sarkar, the youngest FIDE-ranked player at just three years old, was also honoured.
The President envisioned a bright future for the awardees, adding, "In 2047, when we celebrate the centenary of our independence, these award winners will be enlightened citizens of the country. Such talented boys and girls will become the builders of a developed India, shaping its destiny through their talent and efforts."
"May every child of this nation have a bright and prosperous future, for in their success lies the future of India," she said.
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on 17 children for their exceptional achievements at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. The President said that examples of patriotism among award-winning children reinforce our faith… pic.twitter.com/BD94KqE3b0
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 26, 2024
