Director GSDS Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan convened an on-line meeting on May 13, 2020 to discuss initiatives the Samiti could take up post lockdown. He began by reiterating what the hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi had mentioned in his address to the Nation on May 12, 2020 on his vision of launching a Self-Reliant India Movement” (Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhyan) and shared the Gandhian concept of the revitalization of the economy. While referring to J C Kumarappa’s Economy of Permanence, Shri Dipanker Shri Gyan said that answers towards self reliance could be found in this book which could well be modified in today’s context. He further said that post lockdown GSDS as an organization has to parallel cater to the existing heritage and the economy.
The other points that evolved during the discussion were:
1. It was informed of the webinars that has been started should be continued in the wake of Covid 19 and that other similar programmes must be initiated. A mention of the course on Non-Violent Communication was also done and it was informed of the overwhelming response received.
2. It was also pointed that a committee will be formed for selecting the entries of the “Talent Search” initiative for selecting poetry/posters/videos/peace messages/story telling etc and then these could be uploaded in the GSDS You Tube Channel through Shri Pankaj Sharma, Technical Associate. Also the selected posters and poetry will be published from time to time in Antim Jan. Special certificates will be issued to the selected candidates and all the participating candidates will be given certificate of participation.
3. State Governments of Bihar and Jharkhand have approached the GSDS for Mask.
a. Director GSDS informed that Jharkhand Government has ordered for 10000 masks which in the coming days will be finalized once a go ahead is given. He further informed that he had spoken to the Srijan centre at Bharatpur regarding the same and is waiting for their response.
b. It was therefore stressed that Mask production be intensified by Srijan and this initiative should also be explored by different centres of Srijan and also Tihar. Dr. Manju Aggarwal said that she would contact the Jail authorities regarding this. Ms. Prerna also informed that several Srijan centres could be roped in for mask production.
c. It was also pointed that activities with the Jail be increased.
4. Director GSDS also informed on the need to make gamchas/towels (a hand scarf) as the requirement for this item has also increased. He also necessitated the increase of the production of Angavastrams (that is used to felicitate/honour guests) side by side.
5. That the entire office would be sanitized on Friday, May 15, 2020 was also pointed out as offices are to resume since Monday May 18, 2020 onwards.
6. It was informed that while the Museums in both Gandhi Smriti and Gandhi Darshan will remain closed until further directives from the Government, essential staffs who have their own conveyance may apply for pass to come to office.
7. It was pointed out that posters of 6x4 sizes be made along with Gandhi’s quotations and soft copy of the same could be sent to the partner organizations who are involved in relief and rehabilitation work at this moment as this will also build a wide outreach of the GSDS as the posters will carry the GSDS logo and the partner organizations will give due recognition to GSDS.
8. Shri Rizwan pointed out that there has been a delay in salary since the office is yet to receive grant, which it is hoped will be sorted out within a week.
9. As it was proposed to reopen office from Monday, May 18, 2020, entry would be made from Gate No 4 and it was mandatory to ensure updation of the Aarogya Setu App for monitoring of health updates related to Covid -19.