Why Assam health minister wants ‘gamusa’ as replacement for masks

Guwahati: The man who is relentlessly working hard and leading his team from the front in the battle against COVID-19 in Assam is senior BJP leader and Assam minister for health and family welfare Himanta Biswa Sarma.

It’s due to his strong leadership quality during the pandemic that a large section of the masses have appreciated his work through social media. Even his hardcore critics have agreed to some extent that he is working tirelessly to tackle the situation in the Northeastern state.

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Because of his popularity on social media, a large section of the younger generation is also following him, unlike many other politicians.

On Saturday, one of his comments on Twitter went viral. In the tweet, he appealed the people of Assam to use gamusa, a traditional Assamese towel and a symbol of Assamese culture, to cover their faces as a replacement for masks.

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While many people have liked his comment and appreciated the move, several others have questioned the scientific logic behind such an appeal.

Referring to PM Modi, who was seen wearing an Assamese gamusa to cover his face throughout his visit to West Bengal on Friday, Sarma wrote: “Gamusa is the symbol of rich culture & vibrant history of Assam. Hon PM Sri @narendramodi using #Gamusa to cover his face makes us gleam with both happiness & pride. I request people of Assam to also use Gamusa to cover their faces as replacement of mask.”

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Sarma has already appealed the people to use gamusa to cover their face as a replacement for masks. However, only time will tell when the minister himself will use one during his hectic schedule in the fight against COVID-19 in Assam.