Among the areas and communities of Mumbai that are gravely affected by Covid-19 are Dharavi, the North-eastern community, rickshaw drivers and the tribals of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. As the country continues to be in lockdown, 3 Indian Army (Territorial) officers come forward and pour their heart out to serve these communities with the help of Mumbai Police. Organisers Major Pradeep Arya, IRS, SC; Captain Neil Shaji, VSM and Major Sanjay Raole provided 4500 ration kits and 4500 hygiene kits to these families with the assistance of Additional Commissioner Central Region, Veeresh Prabhu, IPS. The activity happened in phases across the communities and reaching out to the individuals in Dharavi was successful because of the Mumbai Police Dharavi Zone and the assistance from Poornata Foundation. “With the support and assistance of Mumbai Police and thanks to timely delivery of these kits by NASSCOM, we were identifying vulnerable populations in Mumbai wherein members from North East Community, Dharavi, Tribals and Rickshaw drivers were some of the many who were affected during COVID-19. We undertook this task like a military operation - identifying and assisting them with ration / hygiene kits which will suffice a family of 3-4 can for at least 10-15 days. NGOs like Abhilasha Foundation, Poornata Foundation supported us in distributing these kits.” said Captain Neil Shaji.
Additionally, these assorted essential kits will also be distributed again to certain other parts of Dharavi and other communities in the coming days thus covering all grounds. Sandhya Shetty, actor, model. commonwealth karate gold medalist, speaker, and the advocate of #NoFear campaign, aggressively supported the measures towards transgenders, rescued women, tribals of Sanjay Gandhi National Park and rickshaw drivers. “The mission is to empower women with education, employment, nourishment and freedom. Our aim is to help the vulnerable group and spread happiness and this food and hygiene relief camp is just a small step of support on humanitarian grounds.” said Sandhya Shetty.“The ration and hygiene kits means a lot to those that have been affected at this time of difficulties & lock-down due to the COVID19 pandemic, where many have lost their jobs and are living with no more daily supplies. We are grateful to individuals like Captain Neil, Major Pradeep and Major Sanjay who have undertaken such an initiative” said North-eastern community representative, Leo Raikhan.These kits contain 5 kg of wheat flour, 5 kg of rice, 2 kg of tur dal, 200 gms of turmeric powder, and chilli powder. Along with the ration kit, 3 soaps, 2 washing cloth soap, hand wash and sanitary napkin are also being distributed as part of the hygiene kit. The Indian Army (Territorial) officers received the support of multiple NGOs and of Mumbai Police to distribute and make available these crucial kits for all those in dire need.