Abstract
This chapter showcases the creative use of social media by government and non-governmental organizations to mobilize the community during COVID-19 pandemic in India. The authors highlight how the social media was used to disseminate information, provide COVID-19 relief assistance, inspire appropriate social behaviors, and enhance community engagement through motivational campaigns in the face of vaccine hesitancy. Through a qualitative analysis of Indian news reports, viral posts among Indian social media users, and reflections among 15 Indian social media users, this study reveals how the use of social media created meanings guiding social mobilization to combat the COVID-19 crisis in spite of it being a major source of misinformation and disinformation. Overall, this chapter underscores the value of social media in engendering action through empowering individuals, organizations, and administrations to combat health crises through community-driven collaborative efforts.