This pandemic has seriously affected the normalcy in every aspect of life. As the Central and State Governments try their best to keep the citizens safe from hazards, they are being greatly helped by the NGOs, Trade Bodies, Service Organizations and Industrial Associations since the battle with COVID-19 began.
Vanitha Mohan, Managing Trustee of Siruthuli conveyed the positive works that were done by NGOs and other associations, in a webinar that was organised by Rotary Clubs of Coimbatore on Saturday.
Food for the Famished
The first need that had to be met was feeding the famished. Lakhs of people, especially the poor and migrant labours were hit hard by unavailability of food supply. “NGOs were providing food in whatever capacity they could. They kept the kitchen fires burning constantly”, she said.
As easy access to food provisions were cut because of the lockdown, the folks in rural regions and tribal hamlets became two of the most affected. With the support of the government, provision kits were supplied to them by the NGOs properly.
For the travelling guest labours, finding a roof above their heads was a major issue . Till the time of their departure, the guest labours were assisted with food, water packets and shelter facilities, which are no easy tasks but were done out of love for humanity by the NGOs with the support from all other bodies.
Health and Hygiene
Vanitha Mohan shared that tier 2, tier 3 cities had shortage of PPE Kits and health care essential products earlier. The cost of them was also higher. Industries in Coimbatore and Tiruppur rose to the occasion and their contribution in manufacturing PPEs helped the ones in need of it. The role of NGOs in mitigating the deficit was also lauded by her. Sanitation kits and accessories to the frontline warriors were given by many industrial and charitable organizations.
She mentioned CODISSIA’s opening of its trade fair complex to house COVID-19 positive persons who are asymptomatic as an example of how industrial associations have done well in helping the society and the govt in this crisis. She also underlined how individuals also have become generous beings in this perilous times.
Importance of Farmers
Due to the lack of transportation facilities, farm produce in great quantity perished in days and the works of farmers ended up as waste. Farmers Market opened up by NGOs in different places had provided the needed assistance the farmers needed, said Ms.Vanitha.
Transportation was arranged and many farmers were able to connect with the customers directly, and got good returns at this time. “We can survive without technology but not without food. It is very important that we give the farmer his due importance; which is sadly lacking in the society today”, Vanitha added.
She also shared that many youth are interested in farming today. Some have already started farming. “This is another opportunity that has opened up out of the adversity”. She said that NGOs in Coimbatore are providing assistance to these youngsters on farming.
Keeping the afforestation project alive
NGOs in Coimbatore are known for their environment-protection activities and even at this crisis, the halted afforestation activities were restarted quickly by them. Continuous care for saplings planted earlier was resumed, Weeds were cut periodically, new saplings were planted to increase the green cover and preparations were made for the monsoon. Vanitha said that desilting activities were taken up despite the circumstances were not easier with the lockdown in effect. The water from the South -West Monsoon (although it was not a full-monsoon) was harvested to some extent.
Winning the War
Vanitha made one thing very clear on how we can win this war – “together if all of us set our priorities right and decide on what we need to do, I am sure the day is not far where we are going to be back on our feet and most stronger and better.”