From women stitching PPEs to a 5-year-old raising funds, India unites in the fight against COVID-19

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, India is sparing no effort to extend support to those in need. From NGOs working selflessly to help daily wage workers, to individuals assisting the needy with food and hygiene kits, there are many praiseworthy acts being performed.

The renowned American lawyer Thurgood Marshall once said, “The measure of a country’s greatness is its ability to retain compassion in the times of crisis.” 

Here are the top five social stories that echo this: 

200 women from a village in Andhra get together to stitch PPEs

Popularly known as Mangena Muthyalu Samajika Lace Uthpathi Kendram, a small tailoring unit in Lakkavaram, Andhra Pradesh, promptly took up an order from the government of Andhra Pradesh to manufacture Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) a few days ago.

This was made possible with the help of 1M1B, an NGO that is focussed on empowering the youth of India through entrepreneurship, especially in rural areas. Established by Manav Subodh in 2014, the organisation, along with the clothiers of the village, stood up to fight against the trying times of coronavirus by seizing opportunities to help themselves, as well as those in need. 

Today, the tailoring unit with 240 women, most of whom live below the poverty line, produce 5,000 lab coats, 15,000 masks, and 6,000 shoe covers every day. From no livelihood to earning at least Rs 6,000 a month, they have come a long way. 

How a 5-year-old from Delhi raised Rs 1 lakh to feed the poor

Several NGOs and individuals have joined hands to come to people’s aid, providing them with food, ration, face masks, and other essentials.

One such inspiring child is Aranya Dutt Bedi, a five-year-old girl from New Delhi, who tried to donate the money she had in her piggy bank. She soon realised that she would need a lot more money than what was in her piggy bank, and decided to create and sell an illustrated book for children to explain precautionary measures they must take against the coronavirus.

The book entitled ‘Be calm with coronavirus’ stresses on preventive measures, and outlines various things children can do to help pass time during the lockdown.

This Indian woman in Japan is braving all odds to heal the world

Living in a remote village, Nupur Tewari had her share of adversities, but what sets her apart is how she turned her life around to change the lives of many across the globe.

In 2003, after completing her education, she landed a job with Mitsubishi. Her hard work and perseverance, despite workplace harassment, got her an opportunity in Japan. The increasing suicide rate and the overtly anxious atmosphere in Tokyo, led Nupur to establish a movement called HealTokyo after a few years. This initiative was specifically aimed at helping ease the suffering with free yoga and counselling sessions. 

To enable people tide over the difficult times of the coronavirus pandemic, she is presently offering free and paid online sessions for people who are confined to their homes. The money that is raised from these sessions will go directly to the PM-CARES fund.

These farmers are striving to bridge losses amid the lockdown

The nationwide lockdown imposed in view of the coronavirus pandemic has resulted in severe labour shortage, transport impediments, and reduced market access, leaving thousands of farmers in the lurch. Though the Indian government has relaxed some restrictions for the farming sector, the community is still striving to cope with the losses. 

However, the silver lining is that several farmer producer organisations have come to the fore to assist farmers voluntarily by actively looking for channels to export and market fruits, vegetables, and food grains.  

How this Delhi-based NGO is attempting to prevent child sexual abuse in India 

In a country like India, one out of two children faces some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18, mostly by a family member, or someone close to them, indicating the strong need for awareness.

Registered as a non-governmental organisation in 1992, Sakshi has paved the way for those working against sexual harassment and child sexual abuse in India. And, Naina Kapur, the Co-founder and former Director of Sakshi, was an active force behind The Vishaka Guidelines 1997, which had been crucial in the formation of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act in 2013.  

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Sakshi has launched a digital (video) campaign #MakeHomeASafeSpace, communicating the importance of an accountable adult community — which is alert, informed, and vigilant — to secure their homes against potential abuse of children.