Amid Tablighi Jamaat row, AR Rahman speaks against religious congregations
After an Islamic religious event in Delhi emerged as a super-spreader of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country, celebrated music composer and singer AR Rahman spoke against such congregations, in wake of the ongoing pandemic. The 53-year-old urged people to adhere to government advisories and practice self-isolation. Rahman also expressed gratitude towards doctors and medical staff working across India.
A religious congregation sharply spiked India's COVID-19 number
A sharp spike in India's COVID-19 number has been linked to a congregation held by the Tablighi Jamaat in Delhi's Nizamuddin area. An estimated 6,500-7,000 people, including hundreds of foreign nationals, visited the mosque complex between March 10 and 24, despite a government order in place against such gatherings. Now, at least 400 confirmed coronavirus cases in India are linked to the Jamaat event.
Not the time to cause chaos by congregating: Rahman
Writing in light of the said event, Rahman slammed such religious gatherings at such a crucial time. In a long note posted on Wednesday on Twitter, the Oscar-winning musician said, "...this is not the time to cause chaos by congregating in religious places," adding that, "God is inside your heart." "Do not spread the virus and cause harm to fellow humans," Rahman further wrote.
Rahman thanked doctors, nurses for their 'bravery and selflessness'
Rahman, a six-time National award winner, also expressed gratitude towards doctors and medical staff working across India for their "bravery and selflessness". "It fills one's heart to see how ready they are to deal with this most dreadful pandemic. They risk their lives to save ours," he further penned. Separately, Rahman also advised readers against spreading rumors, which may "cause more anxiety and panic."
'It is time to forget differences and unite'
Rahman added, "It's time to forget our differences and unite against this invisible enemy that has turned the world upside down. It's time to bring the beauty of humanity and spirituality into action. Help our neighbours, senior citizens, the underprivileged and migrant workers."
You can read Rahman's full statement here
COVID-19 killed 58 in India, infected 2,000+
The coronavirus pandemic has grown substantially in India over the course of the last few days. The virus has killed 58 and infected more than 2,000 across the country. Globally, the new virus has claimed 48,276 lives and sickened over 9.5 lakh.
