Latur mayor engages with locals to beat 'lockdown lethargy'

Latur Mayor Vikrant Gojamgunde has hit upon a novel idea to help local residents overcome what he calls the 'lockdown lethargy' mode amid the curbs on people's movement during the 21-day measure against coronavirus spread. Using social media, Gojamgunde has started a daily competition called the 'Mayor's Challenge", asking residents of this town in Marathwada region to send him photos and videos of the activities undertaken by the entire family.

"I started this initiative in order to motivate people and keep them engaged during the lockdown. The message is that the lockdown has also provided an opportunity for all family members to come together," Gojamgunde told PTI.

"The aim is to ensure people stay at home. Every day, I give a task to people and they have to perform it with family and send me a video or photo of the same. I then select the three most innovative entries and send gifts to their home," the mayor said. Thursday's 'Mayor's Challenge' was to send 'healthy recipes', Gojamgunde said. "The response to this contest has been overwhelming, he added.

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