The once-bustling industrial area of Peenya has seen a massive halt in terms of business since the implementation of lockdown. This situation has rendered several people jobless. As the second wave of the pandemic rages across the country, the workers are earning a pittance or worse, nothing at all. This has left several people in dire need, who are desperately trying to find other sources of income in the area.
What would have been just passed off as an observation by most of us was converted into a determined plan of action by Prakash, a building contractor, who is the key catalyst in executing the noble work on a daily basis. His involvement and commitment to serve poor people is really appreciable. He is joined by Ram B. R., who is the head of India Operations at CADD Centre Training Services and resides in Peenya. Noticing people around them in need, Ram’s wife Manjula, his daughter Brundha and son-in-law Chethan too have joined to distribute food to 500 – 600 people at their building every day.
The selfless deed that began May 14 by the group of volunteers will now continue till the end of the lockdown. The group of volunteers plan to distribute meals every single day. The humanitarian work is funded from their own hard-earned money along with support from their circles. “We are common people who want to work towards helping those in need. We do not gain any profit from doing this and we have no agendas or political affiliations,” said Ram.
This way, Prakash and his friends manage to feed over 500 people one meal a day. Haunted by the thought that someone might go hungry on a particular day, the team tries its best to make sure that everyone leaves with a food packet in their hand.
The group has taken it upon upon themselves to ensure that no one falls sick after consuming the meals provided. Ram’s wife Manjula being a house wife spends quality time to select the green fresh vegetables, quality pulses and groceries. All vegetable are handpicked to deliver the best quality tasty food to maintain the diet and health during this pandemic.
“It is the appreciation and encouragement from others that keeps us going”, said Ram. Ram is a firm believer that “if one has not yet achieved what they want to achieve, they must do what they have not yet done.” While the pandemic has created much chaos and disturbance, it has also birthed a new league of crusaders. These crusaders start from scratch yet create a noticeable impact.
