Dear friends in Rotary,
The morning newspaper tells us that Israel has become the first country to come out of lockdown, with more than 50 % of its population having been vaccinated, and the number of daily Covid cases falling to about 100.
The same newspaper reports that state administrations in India are contemplating varying degrees of lockdown in their respective states, as Covid positive cases continue to rise, with an alarming increase in fatalities. Closer home in Rotary, we have lost some good friends to the dreaded virus.
Are we really doing all we can to win this battle?
Rotary clubs in the state of Kerala, which, only 3 years ago was devastated by floods, have risen to the occasion by setting up free Covid vaccination centres all over the state. This is an exemplary show of Rotary’s dynamism in one of the smallest states of India. I congratulate the Zonal Coordinator, District Governors, District Coordinators and the Rotarians in Kerala for this magnificent response to the crisis.
It is imperative that Rotary clubs in the rest of India follow the lead set by Kerala , Gujarat , Haryana, Tamil Nadu , Rajasthan , West Bengal and set up collaborative efforts with the local state governments. We must be proactive in this regard and find ways to alleviate the difficulties that arise in the vaccination effort.
Another full-scale lockdown will hit the economy and cause long-term pain for all. We must readily endure short-term inconveniences like physical distancing and use of face masks at all times. Rotary’s leadership insists that all physical meetings be cancelled. Please discourage any gatherings of Rotarians until the government declares it absolutely safe to do so. Any irresponsible behavior by Rotarians will taint the fair name of Rotary.
The next few months will decide the course of this war. The right actions at the right time will bring us victory.
Regards,