Governor Vaccinated At Tribal Village

Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan today received her second dose of the Covishield vaccine at a PHC in K C Thanda, a tribal hamlet in Maheshwaram mandal of Rangareddy district, amidst thunderous applause from the locals.

The governor, who decided to get inoculated at the village as she was reportedly concerned about findings indicating low vaccination rates among tribals, had hoped to motivate the tribal communities in the state to also get vaccinated to protect themselves from the ongoing pandemic. Earlier too, she had highlighted the importance of administering vaccines to tribals and those living in remote areas of the state on a priority.

Speaking on the occasion, Soundararajan said, "I just want to set an example by taking the vaccine at a remote tribal habitation and motivate the tribal people in the state to overcome any vaccine hesitancy and come forward to get vaccinated. I hope that I have been able to galvanise many who were earlier showing vaccine hesitancy to now get encouraged to get immunised. I hope that this habitation will see 100% vaccination coverage in the next of couple days."

She also lauded the Modi government for its "Himalayan efforts" to launch a nation-wide inoculation drive and for supporting the development of indigenous Covid-19 vaccines.

A doctor herself, today the leader was able to make a huge impact on dispelling worries about the Covid-19 vaccine among the tribals - her visit seemed to have worked wonders - inspired by the fact that none other than the state's governor had come to their village to take the vaccine, local women enthusiastically turned up to get immunised.

Local tribal women at the PHC gushed, "We are honoured that Governor Soundararajan has come to our village. Now that she herself has gotten vaccinated, we too will surely receive the injection."

One woman, Sunitha, said that the village had turned festive in anticipation of the dignitary's visit.

After getting vaccinated, Soundararajan addressed a gathering of locals and said, " I would urge the locals to get vaccinated at the earliest. Covid-19 safety norms are a more temporary form of protection from the coronavirus. However, getting inoculated will help you stay safe for a longer period. I urge the media to also do its bit to encourage people to get vaccinated."

She then surprised the villagers by distributing sweet boxes to each household and usually sleepy little tribal hamlet truly came alive with the visit of the Governor today.

Education Minister Sabitha Indra Reddy, Secretary to Governor K Surendra Mohan, Zilla Parishad chairperson Dr Anitha Harinath, senior police officials, local public representatives, officials were among those who participated in the meeting.