Vaccine Maitri Program
These are some strange times. One country creates a Virus and is not being questioned by WHO. This organization has not done anything to the country that created untold misery to the rest of the world. China has been behaving as if Rest of the World is to be blamed for the pandemic and the consequential losses and the collateral damages.
It is said that when lemons are thrown, gather the lemons and sell the lemonade made of those lemons. When Bricks are thrown, gather those bricks and build a home. And each crisis, brings an opportunity provided the person facing the crisis, makes a choice as to how to respond.
The New India, under Sh. Narendra Modi chose how to respond to the crisis induced by the Pandemic. In its latest move, understanding how many nations across the globe have a serious challenge in their hands, India did something that was pretty unique and probably the only country to do this.
But before that let us understand what other countries, that are friendly to each other, have been doing:
And then #VaccineMaitri happened. India decided to traverse its own path and to provide succour to countries that are facing problems in obtaining the Vaccine. This in some ways has started to redefine Global Diplomacy.
It is in the context of what is happening elsewhere and what India is practicing make the difference. Of course, there will be folks who will say why so much of song and dance to what we are doing and what we are doing is miniscule.
There will always be people who will criticise every move of the Government – equivalent to “damned if you, damned if you don’t”
This Government of India decided to pursue a policy of being a statesman when the entire world is suffering on account of its recalcitrant neighbour called People’s Republic of China, through its program of #VaccineMaitri
Results are there to be seen: As on 10th March, India has exported 58 Million doses of vaccine either on commercial basis or as a Grant. Of this almost 8 Million doses have gone as Grant and the rest on a commercial basis.
The following infographics will give a bird’s eye view of what is happening.
The above data also tells that we have very a highly collaborative, responsive External Affairs Ministry that is lock in step with the PMO office that is spreading good health and cheer across the world. And surely it is a moment of pride for all of us Indians and India that we are taking a leadership position.
At the time of writing, Covid 19 a.k.a. #ChineseVirus is spreading its tentacles again in India and elsewhere.
It is hoped that it is controlled through joint efforts of the Government of India, State Governments and the key stakeholders, the people.
About the Author.
Natarajan Ramanathan is an Insurance and IT Professional has worked extensively in this area. He is an Alumnus of The Asian Institute of Management, Manila, Philippines. Writes occasional columns on matter of contemporary interest. He is also a hiker / trekker and an avid birder. He has participated in various Bird Count Surveys in and around Indore. He is also a photography enthusiast. He can be followed on Twitter @chittukuruvi4
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