‘Their Need Pushes My Fear Away’: Volunteers At Work In Delhi

‘Fear is one thing but we have to feed people,’ said a member of volunteer group Karwan e Mohabbat.

Coronavirus Lockdown in Delhi: Children huddle up to take food in Kashmere gate in Delhi. 

(Image: Poonam Agarwal, Arnica Kala/The Quint)

The Quint accompanied volunteers of NGOs, Karwan e Mohabbat and Yuva Halla Bol to various parts of Delhi in their mission to distribute food to the thousands who have been left hungry, homeless and jobless due to India’s ongoing lockdown following the coronavirus outbreak.

Lakhs of migrant labourers tried to return home immediately after the lockdown was announced on 24 March. While a few succeeded, many have been left stranded and are now struggling to make ends meet.

“I want to go home but I can go only after the lockdown is over. We have no earnings at all,” said Kisni Devi, who works at a construction site in east Delhi.

Some got shelter and food from their employer but no money.

“My employer has stopped my salary. But he is feeding me. I stay here in the godown. My family is at home. I don’t know how they are feeding themselves. I tried to go home but I couldn’t (because of the lockdown).”

Bipin, Daily wage worker

Govt Should Take More Initiative

With Karwan e Mohabbat team we went to Kashmiri Gate in Delhi to distribute food to rickshaw pullers and the homeless. One of the volunteers told us that they felt the government should take more initiative and reach out to people who are in need.

“How much can we help people? We can reach out to 1,000-2,000 people, but the government has the power and other resources and it can do a lot. I think there are many labourers who do not have food and ration. And it is the responsibility of the government to reach them.”

Deepak, Volunteer, Karwan e Mohabbat

Karwan e Mohabbat is also distributing dry rations kits and have so far identified around 4,000 families of daily wage workers. These kits would be enough for a family of four for up to 10 days, said a volunteer. The organisation wishes to expand its reach across India, we’re told.

“In these difficult times, rich and poor, either have to sink together or swim together. A lot of donations are pouring in from different sources. We are hoping to spread to several cities in the country.”

Harsh Mander, Human rights activist and volunteer of Karwan e Mohabbat

Volunteers Risking Their Lives to Serve Society

“Nobody wants to step back, everyone wants to join but, yes, due to coronavirus fears they are not ready to work in the field. Fear is one thing, but we have to feed people.”

Deepak, Volunteer, Karwan e Mohabbat

Volunteers have been taking all necessary precautions to avoid contracting coronavirus themselves. They have also been making efforts to maintain social distancing while distributing food. Most are also living in isolation.

“The biggest challenge for me is when I reach my home. I remove my clothes outside my house (in the lawn), I take a bath in hot water, sanitise myself and then lock myself in a separate room. It is a virus which can infect us anywhere. That’s why we isolate ourselves.”

Surendra Kohli, Volunteer, Yuva Halla Bol

While social work is always commendable, these volunteers have been going above and beyond to ensure no one goes hungry. Just like our healthcare workers and doctors, who are risking their lives everyday while battling coronavirus, they are the heroes of our society.