COVID-19: TIFR creates video in regional languages to spread awareness

The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) has come up with videos in nine languages on YouTube to explain the importance of social distancing in containing COVID-19.

To explain the importance of social distancing to contain a novel coronavirus outbreak, the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) Mumbai has come out with videos in English and regional languages. 

Many fake news and rumors are making rounds on the social media platforms regarding the pandemic. 

In order to give basic understanding to people about the disease and how it is spread, TIFR has come out with a series of YouTube videos. These videos will inform people about isolation, quarantine, and lockdown, and why they are necessary to control this disease, the Press Information Bureau said in a statement.

The video-based resources have taken reference from original simulations published by Harry Stevens in the Washington Post.

The videos are uploaded on Youtube in nine languages: English, Hindi, Bengali, Konkani, Marathi, Malayalam, Odia, Tamil and Telugu through voluntary efforts made by faculties, families, and students, the institute said in a statement.

The institute is also planning to release these videos in Gujarati, Punjabi, Haryanvi, and the Assamese as well.

"Though the disease has emerged from abroad, it is our duty to explain it to our citizens according to local needs. For this, vernacular content is important. Let's hope that this material can prove effective in educating people about this deadly disease and steps they should take to avoid its further spread," TIFR scientist Arnab Bhattacharya said in the statement.

 Another initiative taken by TIFR is 'Chai and Why?' Here, scientists interact with people through social media to debunk misinformation and explain the science behind the virus.

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