Video Editor: Puneet Bhatia
Producer: Zijah Sherwani
I moved to Melbourne in Australia from Mumbai a few years ago. I’m finishing a Bachelors in Business. Thankfully, there is a decline in the number of coronavirus cases in Melbourne now. We are also under lockdown but I would not say that it's a complete lockdown. We have access to essential services like grocery stores.
There are a lot of international students who are severely impacted by COVID-19 as they have lost their jobs. Most Indian students too are dependant on their salaries as it pays for their university fees. These people are in financial crisis. I have seen many people sleeping on the streets nowadays.
The government is trying to help us but there is no financial help as of yet. Fortunately, our universities are providing us with financial assistance.
Another good this is the relaxation of rent. We can now pay our rent after six months and in some cases there is also a reduction in rent, which is actually helping international students.
Indian citizens in Australia, women and mothers in particular, have started tiffin services for students who aren't able to pay for food. They are also giving free food and free groceries to those who can’t afford meals.
This is praiseworthy and I would like to salute the Indian community and the international population for such a great help amid the coronavirus pandemic.
I just hope that we overcome this outbreak as soon as possible.
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