New Delhi, Jul 10: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday said that Covid appropriate behaviour like wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and washing hands frequently was a must even after vaccination.
Calling upon people to shun vaccine hesitancy, he underlined the need for concerted efforts to counter fake news and dispel myths on issues relating to COVID-19.
Urging the icons in different fields, doctors and others to dispel fears and create awareness among the people on the importance of vaccination, Mr Naidu emphasized that every Indian has a social responsibility to get vaccinated and encourage others to immunize themselves. Vaccination drive should become a peoples’ movement and it should be led by the youth, he added.
Releasing the book ‘Kotha (Corona) Kathalu’, an anthology of 80 short stories on COVID-19 in Telugu by eminent authors from across the world, the Vice President suggested the people adopt five principles to combat the pandemic–leading an active lifestyle that includes regular physical exercise or yoga, seeking spiritual solace, consuming healthy nutritious food, observing Covid-appropriate behaviour like wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and washing hands frequently and to always protect and live in harmony with nature.
Asserting that India has fared reasonably well in tackling the pandemic in spite of the huge population and lack of adequate health infrastructure, he commended the efforts of scientists, doctors, health workers and others in playing an invaluable role in containing the spread of Coronavirus.
Observing that the pandemic has underlined the importance of regular physical activity, Mr Naidu pointed to the importance of mental health as a public health issue in the wake of the pandemic and the need to address it in a holistic manner.
Noting that meditation and spirituality would help in maintaining a balanced life, he urged people to follow precautions even after getting vaccinated.
On this occasion, he also paid rich tributes to the legendary singer, late SP Balasubramaniam, to whom the book is dedicated. Recalling the life of the versatile singer, Mr Naidu said in the five decades of his musical journey, SP Balasubramaniam left an indelible mark on the musical world.
