Why we shouldn’t compare Tablighi congregation and Kumbh Mela?
The coronavirus is back in the news all over the country. The common man is anxious and confused. While politicians are conducting major election rallies, people have been prevented from earning wages for their food. Nobody seems to have a problem with election rallies during the day. But if people venture out in their cars or bikes after 10 pm, they are stopped and tortured. At the same time, the government is relaxing the regulations for the Maha Kumbh Mela.
The government that has been warning about the imposition of the lockdown in the country is at the same time allowing a huge congregation of people in the name of Kumbh Mela. The media that had branded the Tablighi convention as the ‘Coronavirus convention’ is now silent about the Kumbh Mela. If Kumbh Mela were to be compared to the movie, Bahubali, the Tablighi convention can be regarded as a five-minute short film. “The Tablighi convention took place when there was no adequate information and awareness about the Coronavirus while Kumbhamela is taking place when all of us are aware about the impact of the coronavirus”, a popular Bollywood director tweeted. And his words are nothing wrong. When the Tablighi convention was organized, the organizers did not have any information about the Coronavirus. And the government had not issued any order or guidelines about the coronavirus.
We could have condemned the Tablighi convention if it was organized by flouting any guidelines or orders. In the absence of any such violations, several cases were registered against the organizers of the convention. Similarly, the media spread rumours about the workers. By spreading lies such as about the Tablighis spitting on doctors, the media tried hard to prove that the Coronavirus spread because of this.
But finally, the courts dropped all charges against the organizers and took the media to task for spreading rumours vilifying the Tablighis. As against these, the Kumbh Mela is a clearer case. Most importantly, the Tablighi convention was not a public mela. The number of people who have gathered at the Kumbhamela is much larger than those who participated in the Tablighi convention. The fact that an indirect lockdown has been imposed in several cities including Mumbai due to the Coronavirus and at the same time the government has itself gathered crores of people in Uttarakhand has confused people. It has made people view the government’s decisions with suspicion.
If the Coronavirus does not spread when crores of people gather in Kumbh Mela, how does it spread in buses or trains? Kumbh Mela is in no way indispensable for people and people have not demanded that Kumbh Mela be organized at any cost.
Despite this, if the government is keen to gather crores of people, why should people suffer due to the curfew imposed by the government? Ironically, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Rawat has said that the Tablighi convention should not be compared to the Kumbh Mela. There is a truth in his saying. The Tablighi convention does not compare to the disaster of Kumbh Mela. Rawat has issued a hollow defense about the Kumbh Mela saying ‘the Tablighi convention took place indoors while the Kumbh Mela is taking place on the banks of a river.”
If it is true that the Coronavirus spreads only in rooms and not in public places, why was lockdown imposed for three months in public places and why were people confined within four walls? Why are the police attacking those who wander on the streets late in the night? The greatest tragedy is his statement that “Goddess Ganga will save devotees from the coronavirus.” The Central government has spent thousands of crores of rupees to protect Goddess Ganga. She has become completely maligned unable to carry the weight of the sins of her devotees.
Experts have already submitted a report that the water of Ganga is not fit for consumption. The water of Ganga has become poisonous either due to the dirt thrown by devotees or the effluents discharged from factories. Even though efforts are being made to cleanse the Ganga, the government has not succeeded in its efforts. It is not about the Ganga rescuing devotees; the Ganga should be rescued from the devotees. In fact, it is possible that the Ganga might curse devotees for abusing it during the Kumbhamela. For Haj yatra that happens at the international level, the government there imposed severe restrictions. Although it is generally very well-organized with stringent regulations, it was not allowed when the virus was on the rampage. Strict regulations have been imposed for Ramzan Umra as well.
The government took these decisions as it was concerning the people. Here, in India, by imposing lockdown and night curfew for the working class, the Indian government has made the Coronavirus a joke. All chief ministers are repeatedly issuing statements that people should comply with regulations. But people have started questioning why they should not participate in daily activities when crores of people can gather in a mela. People have lost confidence regarding the orders of the government. It is only because of the inconsistencies of the government that the spread of Coronavirus is increasing by the day. The government should take complete responsibility for this. The duality in the decisions of the government about the coronavirus, lockdown, curfew, and safe distancing is why the country has reached this stage. The government that has still not learnt its lessons is continuing its dual policies and is taking the country on the path of destruction.
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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
