On the 3rd day of the #PositivityUnlimited lecture series organised by Covid Response Team (CRT), Delhi on May 13, Jagadguru Vijayendra Saraswati of Kanchi Kamkoti Peetham and renowned artiste Padma Vibhusan  Dr. Sonal Mansingh shared their thoughts.

‘God’s grace, good practices and resolve will help us defeat pandemic’

The world is in the grasp of the pandemic. India was able to defeat the first wave due to the efforts of the Government and people. The 2nd wave has hit us again and has increased rapidly. Recalling Sankat Mochan Hanuman at this time helps to gain confidence. We certainly have to work hard to overcome the crisis with God’s grace. We have to follow the guidelines and adopt best practices. We also have to use both traditional Ayurvedic remedies and western medicines to overcome the pandemic. 

There is a major role for self-confidence and mental strength in fighting this pandemic. We can recall that Hanuman went to Mata Sita and instilled confidence in her by narrating the history and glory of Suryavamsha. He infused self-confidence in her and she did not lose confidence until Bhagwan Ram won over Ravan and rescued her. Similarly, we need to have confidence both at a personal level and in the society too. 

Just as Krishna said to   Arjuna in Bhagavad Gita,

klaibyam ma sma gamah: partha naitat tvayy upapadyate I

ksudram hrdaya-daurbalyam tyaktvottistha parantapa II

urging him to get up and fight, as losing confidence is not in his nature, we in India today must be confident that we will win over the pandemic. For this we all have to work with the Government, cooperate with each other and everyone working for the cause. Many individuals, Governments and organisations are working towards this. Many from abroad are also aiding India in fighting the pandemic. 

Our Dharmic ethos teach us, 

Om Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah

Sarve Santu Niraamayaah |

Sarve Bhadraanni Pashyantu

Maa Kashcid-Duhkha-Bhaag-Bhavet |

Om Shaantih Shaantih  Shaantih ||

Likewise, we do not wish for the welfare of our own selves but for the welfare of everyone in the world. We should work towards realising it. We must work to establish peace in the entire world too. 

Bharat has won over many difficulties in the past and similarly will win over this battle against COVID too with the sense of duty towards the nation, God’s grace, good  practices and resolve.

‘Gratitude, constructive thoughts will help us emerge out of negativity’

We have not been sitting silently in the wake of this pandemic. Right from the President, PM to the last man we are all working to fight it. We had heard about the battles of Mahabharat, and Ramayana and it looks like we are in one such battle ourselves.

When we and people close to us are infected, we are bound to get affected and have negative thoughts. When I was infected, I felt like I was reliving the days of my accident in 1970s when my whole body was plastered. When negative thoughts afflicted me, it was dance and art that saved me. Similarly, we all have hidden talents in us with whose help we can emerge out of the negative thoughts. I have defeated the disease alone with the grace of Ma Jagadamba. We have heard many verses from the Gita and Upanishads and these noble thoughts have to come to good use in these times. 

Positivity, gratitude, prayer, constructive thoughts, control over mind will help us emerge out of negativity.  It is art that taught me the way to live. We all have light within us but we only have to recognise it. We have to remain mentally strong. I am sure that we will emerge bright and strong.

[Report : Prashanth Vaidyaraj]