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Helping Hands: People realized the power of supporting each other | Nagpur News

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Nagpur: Though the pandemic made physical distancing mandatory in both waves, it was the kindness and positivity of some that brought humanity together as a community and society.
The first lockdown was a testing time for many. While the government, political outfits, associations and NGOs continued to help people with all their might, a unique spirit of helping each other on a personal level was experienced. Individuals took a stand and raised help for the needy.
During the lockdown, many donated food and money to the needy in their personal capacity. Many even donated mobile phones to students for their online classes. It was not possible to organize blood donation camps so voluntary blood donors arranged blood for those who needed regular transfusion.
In tough times, people realized that even individuals could make a huge difference. “People went out of their way to help others during the pandemic,” said well-known social worker Khushroo Poacha.
“It was the responsibility of social organizations and dedicated groups like us to help people. But hundreds of such people, who were not associated with any group or NGO, came forward in their personal capacity and helped others,” he said.
Poacha also thanked donors who generously donated for his work. “It was all right to donate in the first wave. But by the time the second wave hit, many people were not in a position to take out money. Still, in the second wave, we got massive support from local as well as NRIs,” he said.
There are some heroes who got recognition through the media. TOI highlighted the contribution of many of them via the series titled ‘Lockdown Heroes’. However, there were many unsung heroes, who did their job silently and became a part of the crowd again.
“During the second wave, we noticed some people who helped needy patients get beds. Even before the NMC started he bed information platform, these people were actively calling hospitals all the time,” said Dr Mukul Deshpande, a resident doctor from GMCH who worked in the Covid hospital.
TOI talked to at least 25 such individuals who either donated food in their personal capacity or provided oxygen concentrators and medicines to the needy. They said, not their name, but the spirit of helping the needy should be highlighted as this practice should continue even post-Covid.
“Many families tested positive during the second wave. I used to call up such families and ask them if they needed groceries, vegetables, medicines and milk,” said a 19-year-old college student.
“I used to leave the parcel near their closed door. They used to transfer money into my account. I don’t think I did any great. But I still have the screenshots of their messages full of gratitude which bring a smile to my face,” he said, adding, many people did such things during the lockdown and realized the power of helping.
FOR A COMMON CAUSE
* Health care workers worked hard to take care of people
* Teachers adapted online format to teach students
* Grocery stores worked extra hours to ensure home delivery
* Restaurants shifted to home deliveries and takeaway options
* Many individuals provided medicines, oxygen concentrators, searched beds for needy
* Many provided cooked food, grocery kits and financial help to those who lost income
* Many came forward to respond with kindness and hope
* A fine example of community service was witnessed



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