Priyanka joins others in promoting ‘Namaste’ amidst coronavirus scare
The distress of coronavirus has taken over the entire world and with the spread of the disease, everyone is suggesting ways to stay safe and precautions to be taken to stay healthy.
Whilst there have been certain measures that the governments and health ministries have taken across the world, the Hindi film industry has been promoting the traditional Indian way of greeting people with ‘Namaste’, as performing it does not involve touching the other person. Although it can be performed silently with just the hand gesture (Anjali Mudra), ‘Namaste’ can also be spoken with a slight bow and hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointing upwards, thumbs close to the chest.
Earlier Anupam Kher, Salman Khan and others took to social media to urge people to use the ‘Namaste’ greeting, and now joining them is Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Pinkvilla reveals that Chopra shared a video of images of where she was posing with her hands folded, irrespective of the events being held in India or elsewhere in the world. The actress wrote, “It’s all about the Namaste. An old but also new way to greet people in a time of change around the world. Please stay safe everyone!”
Here in the UK, Prince Charles greeted recipients with ‘Namaste’ at the recent investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace as the spread of coronavirus continues to affect royal protocol. Baroness Floella Benjamin received a ‘Namaste’ from the Prince as she collected her damehood. After a brief exchange with him, she bowed simultaneously with the royal whilst replying with a ‘Namaste’.
