By UNICEF, Gujarat
As the COVID-19 pandemic hit Ahmedabad, several communities were hit and quite strongly. Amidst the chaos that ensued—when thousands of people ran out of essentials—several good samaritans around the country took up the mantle of working for their welfare.
Here are the accounts from four young, 20-somethings from Ahmedabad, who stepped up during the crisis and did their bit to fight the deadly virus:
“The Most Precious Thing One Can Own Is Humanity”
– Jahanvi Narendrasinh Rajput, 23, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
I was listening to the radio, which I sometimes do and I heard about the Elixir Foundation. I came to know about their response to migrants’ crisis through a team of volunteers. It was inspiring to hear about what they do, how they are helping the people from marginalized sections, and how they provide youngsters with an opportunity to become part of this process and contribute to nation-building.
I also wanted to contribute and do my bit for society in this distressing time. I reached out to RJ Aarti, who then introduced me to the organization. We started arranging food and other essentials for around 50-60 people. Every day, we tried to extend our reach. We wanted to help as many people in need as we could.
The most precious thing one can own is humanity and compassion towards other people. During this period, I observed that a large number of migrants were under stress. They needed our urgent support. We have done our best to support the migrants, and we hope that more people and volunteers will come forward to do the same.
“This Pandemic Has Also Brought Opportunities For The Youth”
– Krunal Rakeshbhai Shah, 23, Ahmedabad
Though a tough time, this pandemic has also brought opportunities. The youngsters can re-mobilize their skills and strength during this time to focus on their careers. This lockdown has yielded time for introspection and evaluating one’s self on SWOT scale (strength, weakness, opportunity and threat) basis the goal one has set for himself/herself.
This is also a time when youth can contribute to society significantly. By staying at home and following all the guidelines, they can keep their family and society safe. They can also volunteer to serve those in need. However, while volunteering and being on the field, they have to be extra-cautious since Corona spreads through human contact. One should be helping people and not spreading infection.
Also, this is the time when youngsters should be cautious about fake news. Any forward or news regarding coronavirus, which appears suspicious and panic-creating, should be verified, crosschecked and if need be, reported to the authorities.
And the most important thing is that we should respect Corona Warriors and show empathy towards Covid patients. Yes, we must maintain norms of social distancing, but that doesn’t mean we discriminate against them. There are instances of doctors, frontline health workers and the policemen being stigmatized. We are safe because they are at work. Please respect them, don’t ostracize them.
“The Corona Warriors Are The Real Heroes In This Pandemic”
– Harishchandra Patil, 23, Ahmedabad
The Covid-19 outbreak has nearly engulfed the entire world. More than 200 countries have been fighting the invisible virus that has claimed around three lakh lives since it reared its ugly head in Wuhan, China last year.
India, too, has been battling against the novel Coronavirus spread. While everyone has been contributing in their own ways—be it by staying home or helping the needy in the situation arising due to the lockdown—the face or the hero of this fight are Corona Warriors. Yes, the doctors, the nurses, the frontline health workers, sanitation workers, the police, the hospital staff and all those who unhesitatingly respond to their call of duty and expose themselves to the risk of contracting the infection.
While soldiers sacrifice their lives to keep our borders safe, these Corona warriors are also making supreme sacrifices to save patients. Though showering petals on them was a gesture of gratitude, it cannot measure up to what they have been doing.
However, there have been instances where these Corona warriors have faced the wrath of people. Incidents of mob targeting the police or health workers, or abusing doctors and nurses have hogged the headlines. What prompts them to act in such a callous way is beyond logic. Corona warriors deserve nothing but our respect and love.
“It Is A Great Time For Youth To Contribute To Society”
– Dhruvi Shah, 21, Ahmedabad
In this pandemic, everyone’s having a hard time. And it’s understandable if you are not okay. With a sudden change in one’s routine, it can be difficult, but here, I would like to take a moment and thank everyone for staying home and thereby contributing to the fight against Covid-19.
As we all know, one of the main sources of information is news channels and media. Earlier, we used to believe whatever they tell us, but now is the time to question and cross-check the credibility of news. A lot of fake news is being circulated on social media platforms. We must check their source and credibility before blindly trusting and forwarding them. This is very important since rumours cause more harm in the current scenario. The least we can do to break the chain of fake news is not forward it.
Furthermore, I would like to say that it is a great time when youth can contribute to society by volunteering to help those in need. Even by simply following the government guidelines on social distancing and personal hygiene, youth can contribute to this war against Corona.
Lastly, but very importantly, let’s respect the doctors, nurses and health workers who are serving us at the cost of their lives. As the youth, let’s create awareness in our societies and neighbourhood to ensure that the medical staff does not face any stigma. We must come together to bust this wrong notion about that the frontline health workers carry the infection.
Let’s not forget that we are safe because they are working tirelessly. So please maintain social distancing, obey guidelines, enjoy this time and respect all the Corona Warriors. Be safe and take care.