NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday interacted with the representatives of organizations working towards social welfare and praised their dedication and commitment in wake of the coronavirus pandemic.During the video conference, PM Modi said the entire nation is displaying immense resilience, grit and patience in facing the challenge of COVID-19 Recalling that Mahatma Gandhi used to say that serving the poor and downtrodden is the best way to serve the nation, the PM observed that these organizations have three distinct specialities: humane approach, massive reach and connect with people and a service mindset, due to which they are trusted implicitly."The nation is facing an unprecedented crisis and needs the service of your organizations and the resources like never before," PM Modi said.He also suggested that the organizations can play a huge role in arranging for basic necessities for the poor, and can also dedicate their medical facilities and volunteers to serving patients and the needy.Highlighting that the nation needs both "short-term measures and a long-term vision" to overcome the challenge, PM Modi added that the social welfare organisations have a big role to play in countering superstitions, beliefs and misinformation.He said, "In the name of beliefs, people have been seen gathering in places and flouting social distancing norms. It is necessary to further spread the importance of maintaining social distancing to check the spread of the virus."The representatives of the social welfare organizations pledged their support to the PM-CARES fund , adding that their workforce will be dedicated completely to the cause of serving the nation in this time of crisis.They also talked about the work being done currently by them to meet the challenge through awareness campaigns through digital means, distribution of essentials, food packets, sanitizers, medicines and provision of medical help to those in need.During the interaction, PM Modi reiterated the importance of spreading awareness, helping the poor and needy through arranging for basic necessities, provision of medical facilities and dedicating the volunteers to the cause of serving those impacted by COVID-19.Underlining the need to keep working together, he stressed on the importance of giving medical and scientific advice and countering misinformation.