The coronavirus has affected all of us severely. Jobs have been lost, schools have been closed and many other unimaginable changes have taken place. As we try to adjust to the new normal, we cannot ignore the adverse effects the pandemic has had on the underprivileged.
The rural population as well as the poverty stricken population in urban areas were severely affected by the pandemic , and hunger was a major problem. Families with members who were infected with the virus in particular found it challenging to arrange food for themselves and the patients separately. In addition to the adult population in urban and rural areas, school going children belonging to poor families were equally affected. The pandemic caused the closure of schools and although the Government issued guidelines for providing hot cooked meals to the students so that they met their nutritional requirements, it was later found in a survey that this was not taking place. A healthy mind is correlated with a healthy body. If a body is failing due to hunger, how can a mind work effectively?
In these trying times ,it is heartening to see how people have stepped forward to help out in this time of need. In a move to offer relief to the patients and their relatives, District Principal and Sessions Judge and Chairman of District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) B. Papi Reddy has started free food distribution for the needy at the Government Hospital located at the district headquarters. Brahama Kumaris, having a branch at the district headquarters town, have been preparing food and distributing it to the needy families. The volunteers of Brahma Kumaris are cooking food on their premises and preparing food packets and handing them over to about 550 families every day with the help of municipal staff. They have truly been Samaritans in these trouble torn times, selflessly helping those in distress .
It is commendable to see the empathy that is instilled in us as a society, and we must continue to show it towards people who are less privileged.
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