To endorse or not — the China dilemma

The anti-China sloganeering has reached a crescendo, but with big bucks riding on endorsements, mobile apps and more, can and will people really cut out China? That’s a moot point

As the public furore calling for a boycott of Chinese products in the country continued for the second week, celebrities endorsing Chinese products have come under a lot of criticism. While a few point out that it is not fair to look through the prism of nationalism and judge these celebrities, the majority demand that the celebs revise their commitment to plug these products. According to Mumbai based Indian Institute of Human Brands (IIHB) the majority of Indians are against celebrities endorsing Chinese products. On the other hand, is it really possible to stop China’s supply chain in India? Considering the footprint China has on Indian economy, especially the multimillion deals in the information and electronics industry and sports, it does seem like wishful thinking. None of the celebrities or players have reacted publicly to the situation and this has fuelled public anger.

WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL?

The public demand for boycotting Chinese products has put the celebs in a dilemma because the amount of revenue is humongous. India is the fastest growing smartphone market in the world, and one of the cash cows for Chinese brands. Aamir Khan and Sara Ali Khan endorse Vivo mobile phones, Virat Kohli recommends IQOO, Deepika Padukone, Sidharth Malhotra, rapper Baadshah and Ranbir Kapoor popularise Oppo, Ranveer Singh does the same for Xiaomi, and Salman Khan, Shraddha Kapoor and Ayushmann Khurrana for Realme. Li Ning is another Chinese brand which has deals with the Indian Olympic Association and for `48 crore, it has signed on PV Sindhu as their brand ambassador for four years, a record deal for an Indian badminton player. Experts say it is difficult for BCCI to reconsider sponsorship deals since it has numerous sponsors like Vivo, Byju’s, PayTM and Dream11 with direct or indirect links to China. Some of the sponsors have pumped in heavy doses of cash over the years, Vivo being the highest investor, with over `400 crore worth of deals. However, the apex board of cricket in India may review future sponsorships.

India is the fastest growing smartphone market in the world, and one of the cash cows for Chinese brands. On one hand Virat Kohli recommends IQOO and on another Deepika Padukone popularise Oppo I think it would be unfair to look through the prism of nationalism or patriotism and judge celebs on their endorsement of Chinese products. Having said that, personally I wish they stop further endorsements post completion of their contractual obligations. But the government of the day needs to come out with a clear policy decision and the nation will follow suit — ADITHYA ROONGTA, Immediate Past Chair — Young Indian’s Chennai Chapter

GOVERNMENT SHOULD SHOW THE WAY Adithya Roongta, Immediate Past Chair — Young Indian’s Chennai Chapter says, “I think it would be unfair to look through the prism of nationalism or patriotism and judge celebs on their endorsement of Chinese products. Having said that, personally I wish they stop further endorsements post completion of their contractual obligations. But the government of the day needs to come out with a clear policy decision and the nation will follow suit.”

“I did not get have any symptoms. People in our department undertook tests as one of our colleagues had got the infection. I am in home isolation now,” she says.

While stressing the importance of keeping track of the infection, Shikha highlights the fact that “It’s important that we don’t make a demon out of it and get scared. The most important thing is to remain positive in this situation,” she stresses. It is very important to keep your mind occupied. “I’m carrying on with my duties from home. Also, I catch up with friends and family by video chats. Since children are not allowed to meet us, these video calls also keep their anxiety levels low,” she says.

“The mind has a healing power which is essential. The department is motivating and talking to people and making them feel good instead of feeling low,” she adds.

Shikha says immunity boosters and prophylactic medication are supplied by the department. Medical attention is given to people who are in need of it. “We speak to people who are infected. In my case, it is the same — my seniors talk to me on a daily basis to enquire about my health, which is comforting,” she says.

AFTER THE DIAGNOSIS

After testing positive, she has been given immunity booters and vitamins. “I have also been given a mild dose of antibiotics,” Shikha adds

She does steam inhalation twice a day, gargles with salt water, takes a healthy diet, does breathing exercises and yoga. The home remedy of kadha (Tulsi leaves, turmeric, black pepper and ginger boiled together in water) is recommended. “It doesn’t harm you, and I am taking it because it is something that you take during normal flu. You can treat it as a normal flu,” she adds.

It’s natural to feel a little anxious when the test turn out positive. But one has to remain strong, says Shikha. “Remember, more than 90 per cent of people don’t even have any symptoms. Some get mild symptoms like me, but it’s just like normal flu which most of us have experienced numerous times in our lives. Only a very small percentage need medical attention / hospitalisation — usually those with serious comorbidities,” she points out.

GOING FORWARD

I believe we need to learn to live with the virus. Building immunity is key at the moment, till a vaccine is available.

WORD OF CAUTION

Don’t start imagining things or do things which will unnecessarily play on your mind. I did not Google the disease. I just took the right precautions. Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms. Be aware of what is happening and don’t get sacred.

The IPS officer is not certain how or from whom she contracted the virus, but as a bottom line, she urges everyone to practice social distancing and be mentally strong.

It is very important to keep your mind occupied. “I’m carrying on with my duties from home. Also, I catch up with friends and family by video chats. Since children are not allowed to meet us, these video calls also keep their anxiety levels low,” Shikha says