His Excellency Dr. Tedros, Prof Karam and all the Esteemed leaders,
We are very glad to be a part of this dialogue between Religions for Peace and the World Health Organization.
We admire the role of the World Health Organization in the past one year for the leadership it has shown in keeping channels of communication open to Government bodies as well as citizens of the World. WHO has demonstrated that it belongs to the entire world. There is a famous quote of Lord Krishna in the Hindu Scripture, Bhagavad Geetha – “Yoga Kshemam Vahamyaham” that means “I look after prosperity and wellbeing of living beings”. In my view, WHO is doing its best for the wellbeing of lives under the Sun.
In recent months, I have been noticing that WHO is proactively sharing information related to how Covid-19 vaccine benefits outweigh some sporadic risks. WHO should continue to watch and sense the pulse of global citizens and clarify any concerns regarding the risks associated with Covid-19 Vaccine.
I would like to share my thoughts regarding three aspects at this moment:
- Vaccine is a reactive solution to the Covid-19 Pandemic. We should continue our proactive discipline, such as, social distancing, hygiene, and masks even after getting the Vaccine.
- The advent of scientific approach to tackle diseases and pandemics should be complemented by holistic approach for building immunity and healing. Physical wellbeing and emotional well being goes hand in hand. The role of religious leaders to guide on emotional well being can play a key role in the effectiveness of Vaccine. We have already initiated raising awareness by spreading the word in our community.
- The world has no clear path yet regarding administering Covid-19 Vaccine to children. We are looking forward for WHO’s guidelines to the whole world regarding the progress on the scientific research in that regards.
WHO is the subject matter expert for anything related to people’s health and is directly connected with governments of all countries. Religious leaders are subject matter experts in the area of religion, faith and spirituality and are directly connected with people. When we join hands together, everything is possible to root out pandemics like Covid-19 from our lives forever.
Om Shanthi Shanthi Shanthi