Audio Series ‘Kete Nua Bata’ brings Positive Stories and Hope during Coronavirus Pandemic

OdishaPlus Bureau

• A joint initiative of OdishaLIVE and Swasthya Plus
• Supported by UNICEF, Odisha
• Brings insights on COVID-19 management in the state
• Stories of COVID Heroes
• Advises by Doctors and Specialists
• Radio series airs every Sunday at 10.30 AM
• Emphasis on children, education, health, youth and more

While speaking on COVID-19 management in Odisha, in the maiden episode of “Kete Nua Bata”, a joint media campaign of OdishaLIVE and Swasthya Plus supported by UNICEF, Mr. Subroto Bagchi, Chief Spokesperson of Govt. of Odisha informed that health is the only priority now. Hence we need to strengthen our health facilities and infrastructure and brace up for any kind of trend the corona situation leads us to.

As a lead speaker of the episode, he said that, “we are still in the first stage of coronavirus infection in India and the period between mid June to mid July will be a crucial phase. It shall decide how far we have been able to sustain our fight against the pandemic as we are still better off than other nations in this regard. Since the vaccine for COVID-19 is yet to come, only lifestyle changes will help us build immunity against the virus.” Thus he advised to practice social distance, avoid crowded places as well as maintain personal hygiene to avoid catching the Coronavirus.

During the spread of Coronavirus and the lockdown scene, digital news platform OdishaLIVE and health & wellness portal Swasthya Plus have come together with a new media campaign titled ‘Kete Nua Bata’, supported by UNICEF Odisha. The campaign aims at disseminating new information to the public while sprouting courage through positive messages and the real life stories of COVID Heroes.

As a part of the campaign, ‘Kete Nua Bata’, a weekly radio series is lined up which took off on 31^st May 2020. The programme goes on air in all stations of All India Radio, Odisha, every Sunday at 10.30 am. Similarly, the audio series reaches the audiences at the same time in India and abroad through web and social media platforms of OdishaLIVE and Swasthya Plus including Facebook, Helo, and YouTube.

While speaking through the programme Dr. Ashok Kumar Mohapatra, former Director AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, and current Vice-Chancellor of the Siksha o Anusandhan University, advised people to wear a mask and follow all protocols of social distancing. “Even though the government has relaxed the lockdown norms, we still have to practice social distancing and avoid gathering at any place. This will help us in keeping the coronavirus infection at bay. However, if anybody is facing COVID like symptoms, they should immediately visit the nearest flu clinic at any Govt. hospital and get themselves checked”, he adds.

The episode also lauded the efforts of COVID Heroes of Odisha. One among them is Mohana Tehsildar (Gajapati Dist.) Ms. Kalyani Sanghamitra. This young officer came as a savior for a group of migrant labourers who had come from Jharkhand and intended to go to Telengana. “I saw that there were children, adults and elderly people in the bus. They narrated their ordeal when I talked to them. They did not have proper food for three days and were afraid of being caught in such uncertain times. I assured them of all possible help and left on my duty”.

“After some time, I got their call saying their bus broke down. I went back with two local mechanics who toiled for six hours to repair the vehicle. We gave them food and medicines. Somehow the migrants reached home and I was flooded by video and voice calls from their family members who thanked me as they reached home safely. It was deeply emotional and overwhelming for me. The messages and blessings I got then will be etched in my memory forever”, narrates Kalyani Sanghamitra.

Another COVID Hero is Dr. Sampat Dash, Chief Medical Officer of Ashwini COVID Hospital, Cuttack. While narrating the story of the health workers he said, “In the initial days, we were afraid of the threat of the infection and were uncertain whether we would be able to care for the COVID affected. But with the PPE kits being made available by the state government and due training for doctors, nurses, paramedical and housekeeping staff etc, we became confident. There are risks involved in every job and we are no exception!”

“As doctors, we are exposed to the affected and unfortunately few doctors have contracted the infection and lost their lives around the world. Nevertheless, we are the frontline warriors against coronavirus and it is our duty to treat the affected at any cost. I thank my family for their cooperation and giving me the mental strength to come and treat the affected daily”, adds Dr. Sampat Dash.

The first episode of ‘Kete Nua Bata’ carries the message of Odisha Chief Minister Mr. Naveen Patnaik who urged each and every citizen of the state to stay home and stay safe and not let the coronavirus inside our homes.

In the concluding part of the capsule actor Archita Sahu appealed everyone to stay at home, practice regular handwashing with soap and water and not venture outside unless absolutely essential to keep the coronavirus far from our homes.

‘Keta Nua Bata’, written and produced by Nilambar Rath, founder and editor, OdishaLIVE and mentor of the campaign, is designed with 13 episodes and it shall go on air till 23 August 2020.

As a part of the campaign, the media is carrying a series of stories and interviews on the subject which are being published across more than 10 web and social channels. UNICEF’s popular animation and audio series, titled ‘Meena’, is also being aired and podcast under the ‘Kete Nua Bata’ campaign.