Regional language videos from TIFR for COVID-19 awareness

NEW DELHI: The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) has come up with a set of videos in English and regional languages to explain the importance of social distancing in containing COVID-19.

The pandemic that has spread to 204 countries is also breeding rumours and fake news on social media.

To provide a basic understanding about the coronavirus pandemic, TIFR has come out with a package of YouTube videos on isolation, quarantine and lockdown. These measures are crucial in controlling the disease, a statement from Press Information Bureau, or PIB, said.

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

The videos are in nine languages: English, Hindi, Bengali, Konkani, Marathi, Malayalam, Odia, Tamil and Telugu through volunteering efforts by faculties, families and students.

The videos would soon be released in Gujarati, Punjabi, Haryanvi and Assamese as well.

“The disease emerged abroad, but we have to explain it to our population according to local needs, for which this vernacular content is important. We hope that the use of this material can prove effective in spreading awareness among the people,” TIFR scientist Arnab Bhattacharya said in the statement.

Another public outreach initiative by TIFR is titled ‘Chai and Why?’ Here, scientists interact with people through social media to debunk misinformation and explain the science behind the virus.

Also read:

• Fake COVID-19 news: IIT Bombay launches ‘KauwaKaate’ to check facts
• COVID-19: PIB sets up fact check unit, starts a daily bulletin

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