Dr Mohanlal Panda
Secretary
People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights
Yes, we live in a world where talking about death is criminally forbidden in the family set up, more so if you have elderly persons around you. But I never knew it can be talked about so casually without offending anyone outside home. In fact, I loved it when my seniors during customary ragging time in college shouted at me with their standard rant ‘ tu sala pucca marega ’. It was fun for all of us till recently when a (Chinese) Corona virus altered the narrative not just in our families but across the world. This virus, the unseen and unheard has made the medical community defenseless and superpowers have been brought to their knees. If infected, death is a possibility. The entire mankind is helplessly sacred deep inside. Believers of different faiths for a change have allowed let the scientific community to step ahead. Donation to religious places has touched rock bottom. Investment to save humanity is all time high.
I like many other friends were quietly feeling happy on what was happening in the backyard of our permanently intimidating neighbor. In the morning of 24th March my son told me that Modiji will appear in TV at 8.00 pm. My wife said “Oh God, what now?” She just forgot that our Maverick PM had completed a dry run of his secret mission on 22nd March. Before addressing the nation the PM had own the consent of half the voters of the country. As the number of confirmed positive corona virus cases in India touched approximately 500 the country was sent for a 21 days complete lockdown. The noise of foot tapping noise making cheer leaders went silent. The confusion and chaos were set unfold from next morning. We Indians are alien to such an idea in our daily lives and certainly not ready to watch the story of an unknown India that has started unfolding every moment since the midnight. The single biggest breaking story next morning was about half of an India with food and the other half without access to food.
We all know that we have neither the opportunity nor the ability to solve all the problems we have around us. The abrupt disruption in public and private life of millions opened opportunities for many of us to come out and prove that we care, that we are listening, that we are willing to do something and to encourage those affected. Like the good Samaritans of Jesus’ parable many started arriving at the scene of distress prepared to spend whatever time, energy or money is needed to address the problem and started communicating not only that they own the problem, but carry the genuine desire to make changes.
Each of the ‘Hunger Hero’ around us has a story to tell from their heart that is dipped in compassion. They know the millions of these hungry and distressed people who work in the grey economy have not received any income in almost a month and have no idea when they might return to work. They also believe that during this crisis, irrespective of how long it continues, no one should die of hunger. Otherwise it will be a shame on all of those who have food to eat.
Since 26th March, Priya Bhabi who lives in our housing society gets up early in the morning to have a look at her fridge and wallet and plan with her husband Baljit Pathak, a footware technician, what to cook for the neighborhood population who had spent the previous night without food. The family with two school going kids locked at home opened a kitchen in their terrace to prepared 50 packets of fresh wholesome food. Being an active member of the Robinhood Group, she along with her friends and relatives collects left out cooked food from neighbourhood and distributes among the hungry people in North West Delhi for many years. Now on an average they carry 150 food packets in the car for distribution. Far away from publicity the humble couple says that it is time for them to pay back to those who have made them. They are happy that many other friend and relatives are extending their cooperation to serve more and more people in need.
Far away in Varanasi, beginning from 25th March my friend Lenin and his wife Shruti (they are the founder of our organisation www.pvchr.asia and I am the secretary) use to pack dry ration, soap and essential medicines in the vehicle and leave for its distribution among the tribals living in the far flung areas of Varanasi and Chandouli districts. The supply was not enough but was enough for the day. As days passed the scenario changed and supports from several quarter trickled in. Lenin’s Raghuvanshi clan believes that they are the descendants of Lord Ram and thus occupy a special place among the powerful and resourceful Thakur community. Since he protested against the existing caste system in the Hindu religion and converted to Buddhism, the majority members of his community never stood by him. His work among the dalits, minorities and other backward groups further moved them away. Only few handful opinion makers in the community including the infamous gangster Brijesh Singh whom we all affectionately call ‘Cha’ often convey their happiness over Lenin’s social work. Suddenly, we realise that the prevailing adversities has paved the way for cooperation. The barriers of hostilities have started crumbling. Our organisation is now running a community kitchen in collaboration with All India Bramhin Samaj for over 35 migrant families in Varanasi. Around 300 food packets are prepared for lunch and the same number for dinner. Volunteers from backward castes are reaching out to families from upper castes and minorities group provide support. The timely intervention by our organisation at the government level has resulted in release of prisoners in bail and parols in several states. Now we are planning for providing psychological counseling to the migrants, police, para medicos, sanitation workers to improve their mental health. The detail proposal will be placed soon.
Last time we came together during India’s airstrike in POK. We have moved on from ‘Desh ke liye’ to ‘Insaniyat ke nam par’. At present the country is witnessing an unprecedented level of belongingness. We are cherishing the moments we share with people whom we do not forget even though they have been there in our lives for a short while. We stand together without expecting anything from each other. They touch our hearts in a special way while we share a smile. So many incidents happening around us which reminds me that humanity is still breathing. Of course, during this difficult time one also witnesses people from ‘Friends for Mutual benefits’ club cease every opportunity to make as much as possible for them. Such people and their greed must be ignored.
The only thought that bothers all of us is the visuals of the plight of the economic migrants leaving the cities. Are we really thinking about them? Our lives have no meaning without those who served us at home and in the community as maid, plumber, car cleaner, barber, tailor, food delivery boy and in many other ways. We are simply incapable of doing what they are doing for us. Planes were flown abroad to get the rich and powerful for a safe arrival at home. Luxury buses were allowed to carry stranded pilgrims of a state to go back to their home during lockdown. The exodus during the pandemic is heart wrenching and shameful. There were better ways to treat them. The pandemic has brought together entire 1.3 billion people to light up hope, courage, love and compassion. People have risen above barriers by setting standards in their duty to humanity. The spirit of human dignity and equality must continue to remain deep in our heart to ensure ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikash’.