Amid the winter chill, as Manipur celebrated its Statehood Day, the Indian Army performed a ‘Live Army Pipe band concert’ as a tribute to COVID warriors of Manipur at Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre in Imphal on Thursday.
In honour of the COVID warriors who have been fighting a tough battle against the Coronavirus pandemic since it hit the state more than a year ago, band parties from 13th Dogra Regiment, 4th Bihar Regiment, 5th Maratha Light Infantry, 3rd Gorkha Regiment and 24 Punjab Regiment warmed up the cold January morning as they presented different musical numbers to a cheering crowd.
Attending the concert as chief guest, state chief secretary Rajesh Kumar said, "Corona has taught humanity a lesson that we should be modest. Human beings must have thought that they are invincible, but an invincible virus has affected our lifestyle, economy and jobs."
Kumar saluted the COVID warriors and the people of the state for standing together as one in the fight against the pandemic ever since its outbreak in Manipur. COVID-19 has claimed the lives of more than 300 people in the state.
With contributions from every section, Manipur has been able to contain the pandemic under the able leadership of the chief minister, he said.
Despite the economic hardships caused by the pandemic, the state has been able to pay salaries of the employees in time and new projects and development works have also been launched, he added.
Kumar also urged the COVID warriors to further continue the fight against the pandemic and extend help to the needy people. Two loads of COVID vaccine has arrived in Manipur and the vaccination has begun, he said, adding that there are no side effects of the vaccine till date.
Recognising the contributions made by the COVID warriors, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given them the priority to receive the first vaccination, the chief secretary added.
