Let's fight COVID-19 together!

Stories of help and hope, and collective will from across the country

Agni: Shesham Rina: Shesham,

Vyadhi: SheshamTathaivacha |

Punah: Punah: Pravardheta,

Tasmaat Shesham na Kaaryet ||

Fire, Debt and Illness, if taken lightly, grow again at the first opportunity,  assuming dangerous proportions- so it is important to treat them completely!

No one disagreed with the Prime Minister when he cautioned against over-enthusiasm and consequent negligence. Speaking during his 'Mann Ki Baat' address on April 26, Shri Narendra Modi urged everyone to remain cautious. He reiterated, “Maintain a distance of two yards and keep yourself healthy!”

Responding to the COVID-19 health crisis, the Government of India announced a 21-day nationwide lockdown on March 24. This was later extended by 19 days to last till May 3, and once again till May 17.  It is extremely important for all of us to follow all guidelines/advisories during the lockdown period and beyond, whenever that may be, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. These include very simple precautions such as following good respiratory and hand hygiene at all times, and maintaining a safe distance - 6 feet - from everyone, especially those suffering from fever, cold or cough. All of us are in this together.

As the Prime Minister rightly said, India’s fight against Corona is people-driven... where every individual is eager to contribute. People have come forward to selflessly help others, the 'strength of their resolve has led to the beginning of a new transformation too in India.' From children donating their piggy banks to a nonagenarian stitching washable masks to fight COVID-19, we bring you stories of help and hope, and collective will from across the country. They will put a smile on your face and inspire you to do your bit for your country and fellow countrymen.

Mizoram granny does her bit

Pi Nghakliani has not only donated her measly monthly pension to Mizoram Chief Minister’s Relief Fund but is also stitching masks for the poor and handing them out to whoever needs it. In a tweet, Chief Minister Zoramthanga has appreciated the contribution of the nonagenarian, who stitches around 10-20 washable masks every day.

“It is a time to ask what we can do, nothing too small or too big,” says Ms. Nghakliani.

Source: The New Indian Express

Differently-abled tailor stitches masks

Bhagaban Tanti, a differently-abled tailor, is providing free masks to the needy in Kolab village, Koraput district, Odisha. He stitches around 20 to 30 masks every day.

“I asked some locals to spread the word about masks being provided for free at my shop to those in need. After they did so, tribals and destitute persons have been coming to my unit to collect masks”, said the tailor, who also briefs them about the importance of wearing masks.

Source: The New Indian Express

Two boys donate their piggybanks

Two boys from Tripura’s Udaipur town donated their ‘Laxmibhanda’ (clay piggy banks) to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to help in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

While Titas Debnath (5) said he was inspired by his grandmother, a gram panchayat member,  Agniva Datta (11) said he got the idea after watching news about donation drives on TV.

Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb lauded the two boys for setting a bright example.

Source: The Indian Express

Volunteers to help people manage mental stress

Thousands of persons have registered themselves as volunteers to help people manage their mental stress in the ongoing coronavirus crisis under an initiative launched by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority. The volunteers, called  Pratirodhi Bondhus, will also be engaged in an exercise of contact-tracing of the COVID-19 cases in the state, officials have said.

The volunteers will be trained to support the frontline workforce in non-medical activities as per guidelines of the National Disaster Management Authority and the UNICEF for COVID-19 response.

The response has been so overwhelming that the desired number of volunteers has been reached. The application has been temporarily stopped.

Retd. Army Officer donates 15 lakh to PMCARES

Mohinder Singh, a retired junior commissioned officer (JCO) from the Army, has donated Rs 15.11 lakh saved from his pension earnings to the PMCARES Fund.

“The nation is battling the coronavirus crisis. Everyone needs to come forward and help the needy. I am glad that I am able to help,” said the 85-year-old who had participated in the 1971 India-Pakistan war. He and his wife were applauded by the bankers and police personnel present at the bank when they handed over the cheque.
Source: Amar Ujala

1. Comments will be moderated by NDMA'seditorial team. 2. Comments that are abusive, personal, incendiary or irrelevant cannot be published. 3. Please write complete sentences. Do not type comments in all capital letters, or in all lower case letters, or using abbreviated text. (example: u cannot substitute for you, d is not 'the', n is not 'and'). 4. We may remove hyperlinks within comments. 5. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name, to avoid rejection.