A symbolic candlelight gathering in solidarity with nation battling Coronavirus
The march in solidarity with COVID-19 victims will have at least 20-30 Buddhist monks, along with organisers and some RPI leaders
The All India Bhikkhu Sangha and Republican Party of India (RPI) members will be holding a 'Pray for China' meet at the Gateway of India at 7 pm today. The meet comes as China battles the Coronavirus [COVID-19], with more than 2,000 deaths. Reports state that there are close to 73,000 cases and more than 20 countries have seen at least one case.
"So, we say pray for China, but it is actually a prayer for the globe," said Gautam Sonawane of the RPI.
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"Let us look beyond what this is, a token of gesture like some say, or simply a cosmetic meet that is not going to affect the outcome or change numbers of the cases. Look at the intent of the meet, it is to reinforce the power of prayer and bringing together Mumbaikars to remember another set of people many miles away are falling prey to a deadly illness."
Ghansham Chirankar, the event organiser said, "It is important that we say that we remember you, pray for you and stay together in this time of crisis. We cannot achieve anything with an attitude like it is not happening in our backyard, or not affecting us too much right now, so why bother?"
Chirankar said the meet is essentially what we term a candlelight march. "We will have at least 20-30 Buddhist monks, along with other organizers and some RPI leaders who will gather with the Gateway of India as a backdrop. We will walk just a very short distance, reminding people that there is a very large section of humanity affected right now. They may be many miles away but in a global world, none of us can be removed or remote from any situation."
Chirankar, who calls himself a Dhamma Pracharak of Indian Buddhism said, "We had also visited the Consul General of China's office in South Mumbai and extended an invite. The march will allow the general public to comprehend what others are going through. Despite the international political relations, it is the human spirit that stands supreme," he further pointed out.
Subhash Motwani of the Clean Heritage Colaba Residents Association (CHCRA), said, "While the intentions are noble, we are apprehensive about a large number of events, protests and gatherings that take place near the Gateway of India. We certainly agree that there should be empathy and prayers for those affected elsewhere, and our thoughts are definitely with those who have lost their loved ones to the virus."
He added, "However there must be enough traffic cops and personnel to manage bottlenecks. Earlier, one would see signboards and notices before events — even a day prior, so we could plan alternative routes. But today we have no advance knowledge. So we hope the situation normalises to that of earlier days," Motwani added.
7pm
Time Pray for China meet will begin at Gateway of India
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