Message from MIS: COVID Crisis in India

Anusha Chari and Rudi Colloredo-Mansfeld, May 19, 2021

A message from Anusha Chari, director of the Modern Indian Studies program, and Rudi Colloredo-Mansfeld, senior associate dean for social sciences and global programs in the College of Arts & Sciences at UNC-Chapel Hill 

As we begin to return to a new normal here in Chapel Hill with the rollout of vaccines and in-person commencement ceremonies, we cannot lose sight of the enormous strain that countries around the world are still under due to the pandemic. India is now home to the worst coronavirus outbreak globally.

We know that many of you within our Modern Indian Studies family have been deeply affected by the unfolding surge in COVID-19 cases in India. Our hearts are heavy as we see the extreme toll that this epidemic continues to take on the country and the stress and anguish it causes those of you with loved ones being affected.

The Indian diaspora has already donated millions of dollars in aid. The United States has announced it will send a hundred-million-dollar aid package to India, including testing kits, ventilators, oxygen cylinders and PPE, but the situation remains dire. If you would like to help and can give, please visit pbs.org or nytimes.com for a list of vetted organizations accepting donations for medical and other greatly needed supplies. We cannot rest until the entire world gains control over the COVID-19 crisis.

Sincerely,

Anusha Chari and Rudi Colloredo-Mansfeld