India is the third country in the line to hold highest number of covid-19 active cases just after US and Brazil. Going through a lockdown of almost 80 days, we have witnessed some of the extreme faces of our country, ranging from mass migrations to a crumpled economy at stake. An almost failed lockdown has left us with a lot insecurities and damages in fact.
Even in such an obscure situation, when the number of active cases are increasing at a rocket speed day by day, the question to be answered is; are we enough cautious in planning and administering the unlocking of our priorities?
Does the opening up of religious Institutions fall under the circle of necessity?
India is home to various religious domains and as a result we have distinctive cultures and traditions, most of which promotes mass prayers and congregations as a basis of faith and worship. Even though the government has framed certain rules to maintain social distancing and safety in religious institutions, the trouble arises when people start betraying the rules when they get completely focused on worship, seeking peace and security from God alone. The mass religious gatherings do not lend to physical distancing and gatherings inside certain confined spaces which would drive infection much faster. It is to be taken with much concern that we cannot afford a condition of mass transmission in such a pathetic situation.
Opening up such public places all of a sudden can lead to a surge in infectious cases. As the country is now reporting roughly 10,000 cases a day, this can make the situation even worse. It is true that religious ceremonies can help a believer to attain solace and inner peace, but as of now we’ve to rise from the walls of personal concern to the general good of whole humanity by sacrificing certain things.
I do respect the concept of religion as it is a fine medium to impart moral values in societal as well as personal life. But at a time when the whole of humanity’s existence is at brisk, we must be able to shorten the expressions of faith into our comfort zones. This is a time we can’t depend on Almighty’s mercy alone, for this is the time we need to act as responsible citizens for the general good.
It is noteworthy that some of the states have taken a decision not to open such institutions until the pandemic slowly retards.
Concerns regarding the people whose means of livelihood are mainly associated with religious institutions must also be taken into account. Also we need a system to support the hungry people left on harsh roads when the source of food from these places have came into an end.
As the lockdown already had provided some negative impacts and was unable to curb down the infection curve, what we need now is an assiduous and perfectly planned step for a better tomorrow. Because the failure of an insensible unlocking in such a vulnerable situation will result in an explosion of cases.
We must be legitimate and reasonable in unlocking the aspects of our society – giving importance only to the necessary and at the same time creating an inclusive structure for the betterment of every person.
