“Facing our fears and moving forward with precautions in place is critical,” says Feroz Abbas Khan

The renowned film and theatre director is guiding a recently launched campaign of courage during Covid, called ‘Himmat Hai Toh Jeet Hai’

As India re-opens after a second, devastating wave of COVID-19, it is critical that we continue to maintain COVID-Appropriate Behaviours such as mask wearing, physical distancing and vaccinations to protect ourselves and our communities from the risk of infection. The national NGO Population Foundation of India has launched a new video under its Himmat Hai Toh Jeet Hai campaign to not only remind India to stay safe but to also celebrate the fortitude of health workers, social workers, and women, in general, for their service to the country and their communities.

The anthem can be watched here — Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PopFoundIndia/videos/1037467566992428 | YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qI7wcW57Jw4

Using powerful visuals and lyrics that speak of victory in the face of challenges faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the anthem speaks to a wide cross section of society and reinforces the need for India to stay strong and continue enforcing preventive measures required to win the fight against COVID-19.

The campaign is guided by renowned film and theatre director Feroz Abbas Khan. Khan is PFI’s Creative Advisor and has directed the flagship trans-media edutainment show Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon. “Things are now opening again. Hopefully, schools will open soon so young people can once again have a place to learn, meet their friends, grow. We must ensure they, and the rest of our community, are protected via vaccinations and the continued use of masks, hand-washing and physical distancing,” says Feroz Abbas Khan. “Facing our fears and moving forward with precautions in place is critical. The Himmat Hai Toh Jeet Hai campaign has been designed to keep hopes up and reinforce people’s sense of social responsibility,” he adds.

The second wave of the pandemic spread like wildfire through India, including in remote rural locations; health systems were overburdened, and the lack of oxygen and other medical supplies led to disastrous losses. “Today, the most important thing is for everyone to get vaccinated,” says Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director of Population Foundation of India. “Vaccine hesitancy and refusals due to misinformation has made it incredibly challenging to protect people and move forward. Our anthem Himmat Hai to Jeet Hai is a call to all people to remain united in our fight against COVID-19 and a reminder to protect ourselves and our communities,” she adds.