‘Covid-hit people falling into superstitions trap’

RAJKOT: The Covid-19 pandemic has left such a deep psychological impact on people’s minds that a majority of those who recovered have turned to blind faith for healing.
In an extensive survey of 1,620 Covid-recovered patients and their family members carried out by the Saurashtra University, nearly 60% people confessed to approaching tantriks (witch doctors) when their kin fell ill with symptoms of this virus.

The respondents in the survey which was conducted by the psychology department include 45.3% from urban areas. Overall, the survey reveals that 36% of the people gave into blind faith and unfounded beliefs after recovering from Covid-19.
Head of department Yogesh Jogsan and assistant professor Hasmukh Chavda went to the respondents with questionnaires and got these shocking results.
Another shocking finding was the belief that branding is a cure for those infected with the virus with as much as 45.3% believing in this torturous method.
According to surveyors, 27 % participants accepted that they did not believe in lucky charm or charm bracelets earlier, but during the pandemic they started feeling that these do help. Around 45 % participants admitted that they believed that lucky charm, charm bracelet and witch doctors can help cure the infection.
“Blind faith is directly connected with psychology. A fourth-year student who often fails doesn’t want to listen that he is weak in studies but readily believes that luck is not favouring him. It's human psychology that people need something to blame and they want quick results. When lakhs of people start believing in unfounded beliefs, it’s a dangerous sign for the entire society and this is what the survey reveals.”
Chavda said “tantriks have started conning people in the name of blind faith by exploiting their fear and insecurity caused by the pandemic. There are several reasons like ignorance, lower economical status, propaganda, lack of education, traditional beliefs, cultural beliefs that have aggravated the beliefs in superstitions.”