In a unique gesture to the martyrs of COVID, an online national Covid memorial is being planned in a first of its kind project for people who lost their relatives and friends to the virus to light a candle and send flowers virtually.

“There were times when people could not even see or cremate their loved ones. They were left isolated. As doctors, we have yet to come across such devastation,” said Dr Abhijeet Chowdhury of Kolkata-based Ngo ‘Covid Care Network’ that is planning the virtual memorial.

For most of the doctors part of the NGO’s team, there was a common sentiment of feeling helpless in saving those who had contracted the coronavirus. “We thought to connect all of us together from January 30, when the first case was reported in the country. The portal will be operational on this day,” said Dr Abhijeet. The NGO is collecting obituary and blogs from people who would like to pay tributes to the victims. The team shall edit it and along with a photo of the victim, an online homage can be paid.

“This virus has caused a lot of misery and suffering, where people could not meet or participate in their relatives` last rites. During Ebola, we were geared up and took all measures, but it did not hit us.” said Prof Yogesh Chawla, former director, PGI, and part of this project for Chandigarh and Punjab.

This virtual memorial will be an annual event where everyone can participate. A similar tribute was paid in New York, where people from all walks of life were paid homage. Some of the eminent people who are a part of this project include chief badminton coach of Indian team Pulella Gopichand, Dr Sanjay Oak from Mumbai, Dr V Mohan from Chennai, Dr Rahul Pandit from Mumbai, and Dr Virendra Singh from Jaipur.

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