
Since ages India has been a land of mystics who have guided and moulded the socio -cultural religious topography of
More InfoRam Navami Mesaage-2020 |
I am taking this opportunity to communicate with you on the menace of Coronavirus i.e., COVID-19 which has abruptly and rapidly taken over the globe. It has been declared as a PANDEMIC by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The spread of this life-threatening virus is the greatest concern of the world today.
Given this backdrop, social contacts established through International and National travels (through various modes of transportation), conferences and gatherings anywhere for any purpose can increase the possibility of spread of this disease in any part of the world, including in India. Various initiatives have been taken by different Governments to combat the menace and prevent it from affecting more people. Government of India and State Governments have issued a number of instructions/advisories which are available in public domains like internet and print/audio/video media etc. Relevant information can also be found on the website of National Council for Disease Control (NCDC) https://ncdc.gov.in/.
Hence, this problem should not be taken merely as a personal or family issue but should be visualised from the wider social and global perspective. In the wake of coronavirus spread in India, Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust (Shirdi), through India TV, has urged the devotees of Shirdi Saibaba to postpone their visit to the sacred temple for a few weeks, till the threat subsides. It is a well-considered decision to protect the Sai Baba devotees from being affected by this virus. Temple managements of the Sai Baba temples in India and abroad should advise the devotees to restrain from gathering in the temple to prevent them from getting infected. We need to understand that it is a fight for one’s self, one’s community, one’s country and for the human race as a whole. It is suggested that the Temple management should encourage the devotees to have online darshan of Temple activities like Puja and Aarti where it is possible.
This message is being forwarded with an appendaged note to all Sai Baba temples associated with Shirdi Sai Global Foundation (SSFG). The note spells out steps to counter this threat. It is not possible to delineate the minutest details pertaining to the issue. Therefore, the note contains broad outlines that may help the management of the Sai Baba temples, in India and abroad, to enforce the required measures / standards.
The temples in general, including Shri Sai Baba temples, have certain specific features which need to be identified and taken care of in order to prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus. This message is intended to bring awareness about the disease, to the devotees, visitors, the staff and management of the temples.
I may not be a doctor; however, I visualize the entire problem from the perspective of a responsible citizen. I believe that the issue can be best understood and effectively dealt with by taking into consideration the following four aspects:
For Example: The Sai Ka Aangan temple (Gurgaon) has taken the initiative to educate the visiting devotees by displaying a number of standees and posters etc with respect to Coronavirus. Such pro-active steps can be followed elsewhere.
It is expected that the temple managements would be doing the best possible, within their capacity and available resources. I am aware that many of the temples are taking certain precautionary steps. However, it is desirable to keep the knowledge base updated. Shirdi Sai Global Foundation is committed to render such help from time to time.
Let us pray to the Almighty and Baba to give us the right thoughts and motivation at this time of crisis, not only to save ourselves but also to save the life of others.
May Shri Sai bless us all.
Dr. C.B. Satpathy, Gurugram
The following are a few web-links for more information.
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/training/online-training
https://ncdc.gov.in/
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/