Conduct vaccination drives in all Xatras: Dr Pitambar Dev Goswami

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Xatradhikar of Sri Sri Auniati Satra of Majuli, Dr Pitambar Dev Goswami, has appealed to the State Government to conduct special COVID-19 vaccination drives in the Xatras of the State.

Talking to The Sentinel on Friday, Dr Dev Goswami said, "People traditionally throng Xatras. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has created a humanitarian crisis. All bhakats/vaishnavas (devotees) staying in Xatras will cooperate with the Government for the welfare of mankind.

"I've been inoculated in a nearby health centre. However, all bhakats/vaishnavas can't go to health centres for vaccination. The people of the age group 18-45 years have been asked to register their names through an App. However, most of the bhakats/vaishnavas falling in this age group don't have smartphones. Apart from this, Xatras located in interior areas also has internet connectivity problems. I, therefore, appeal to the State Government to conduct special COVID vaccination drives in all Xatras in the State in phases.

"Majuli alone has around 32 Xatras. Sri Sri Auniati Satra has around 300 bhakats/vaishnavas. If such drives are carried out by the government in camps in the Xatras the bhakats will be benefitted.

"On our part, we're sanitizing all people visiting the Xatras."

The Xatradhikar appealed to the masses to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour.

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