The lives of lakhs of people in the country changed rapidly with Coronavirus spreading its tentacles in no time. As the people learnt to cope during the first wave and were trying to recover, the second wave has struck. At this time many people, volunteers, and institutions have come forward and extended their helping hand to the people in need.
Gavisiddeshwara Matha of Koppal is one of the oldest monasteries in North Karnataka and one of the institutions that has involved itself in various activities like providing food to the Covid patients and converting the hostels to Covid care centres among others.
Speaking to News Karnataka Sharanu Shettar, Manager of Gavi Matha said, “We provide breakfast and meals to the Covid patients. Everyday, we distribute approximately 1200 meals. Gavi Siddheshawara Swamiji himself has taken charge of the preparation of meals. He himself has prepared Chapathi’s for Covid patients too. Swamiji with all the safety measures visits the ward of the Covid patients personally, and arranges games, entertainment programmes, prayer evenings to boost their morale, thus ensuring their speedy recovery.
Explaining the initiatives of the Matha he said, “to help Covid patients we have converted the old age centre into a Covid hospital of 100 beds with oxygen facilities. The students’ hostel is converted into a Covid care centre of 200 beds, without oxygen facilities, where the patients with mild symptoms are being treated. The staff of Gavi Matha Trust works voluntarily in delivering food, medicines, and other essentials to the patients and maintain hygiene in the surroundings. Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa also appreciated our efforts, he added.
“Any patient after testing positive for Covid may join Covid care centre if there is a difficulty to be in home isolation. The food, medicines, and accommodation are free of cost. We have an ambulance facility for patients too,” he added.