Farmers Movement Archive

Together we can triumph the pandemic, says NGO

Tribune News ServiceChandigarh, April 28A giving nature is one of the traits Rakesh Uppal inherited from his father. Since his college days, he had been associated with charities and on the eve of New Year 2017, he started his own NGO, Umang-Ek Nayi Soch, with the elderly at an old-age home in Sector 15.“Never did I think that we will be able to serve people during a pandemic,” says Uppal. Days start early for this NGO president. Right from getting ration, taking it to kitchens and getting it prepared and distributing it among the needy, he takes care of everything. “I go to the mandi to fetch provisions and don’t buy it from vendors. If at the same cost, we can feed 130 instead of 100, why not?” he says. Through the day, he is joined by varied volunteers, police officials and his fellow workers.“In the beginning of the lockdown, a few daily wage earners approached me for food. That day, we decided to carry on with serving the needy,” he says. Now, they have designated spots to help people. Along with helping labourers, the volunteers serve water, tea, biscuits and some meals to the police and sanitation workers.“People are sharing ration, sanitisers, masks and helping us in preparing and packing meals. They are also helping us locate those in need.”A few days ago, the NGO helped labourers stuck at a construction site. They didn’t have food for the past two days. “Creating awareness is a significant part of our mission. When we showed up at the construction site, a lot of residents came out to help,” said Deepinder Singh, who has been part of Umang. He draws inspiration from his mother and father, an Indian naval officer who lost life in the line of duty.Members of Umang – Virender Rawat, Ashish Rawal, Vaibhav Narang and Sanjay Kumar — are working with the UT Traffic Police and Pramod Madaan, president of NGO Prerna. They take all precautions while carrying out their tasks. “We wear masks, gloves and take proper precaution. As soon as we get back home, we sanitise our wallet, phone and wash clothes immediately,” said Deepinder. He said: “A rickshaw-puller, with no work or home, refused to take meal as he was already served by someone and wanted others to get food. People like him motivate us to reach out to everyone.”“Together, we can beat the pandemic and witness triumph of the human spirit,” say Deepinder and Rakesh Uppal.

The Tribune

2020-04-29

Mona