Over a period of 8 months, people have been chanting 'Go Corona Go' and singing 'Corona bhaag ja'. But in Kerala 'Corona' is being uttered with love. A young woman introduces herself as Corona in Mathilil ward in Kollam Corporation, as per a TNN report.?
Her name is Corona Thomas and she is a BJP candidate from Mathilil ward in the local body elections which are due in December. And yes, you read the name right.?
She visits every house wearing a mask and gloves. The 24-year-old offers sanitisers while asking for votes. Corona maintains social distancing when she interacts.?
"It also earned me many nicknames during school time. But things got serious when the virus spread worldwide. Slogans like 'Go Corona' and 'Kill Corona' really irritated me in the beginning," she told PTI.?
"Because of my name, everyone recognises and remembers me during the campaign. Wherever I go, people call my name with amusement. I hope this name will help voters to remember me on election day and make them cast votes in my favour," she added.?
Her father Thomas Francis chose rare names for her and her twin brother. He would not have foreseen that her name would be the same as that of a viral infection which would hold the world hostage.?
Francis picked Corona, which means "halo", and Coral for the twins.?
Not long ago, Corona was COVID positive. She was also pregnant then. However, both the baby and the mother pulled through.?
Corona hopes her name is a good luck charm when the elections take place.?
Corona is not a word that refers to something good right now, but in Kerala, it can be a symbol of hope.