Panipat:In the weeks of the COVID-19 lockdown, several individuals have stepped in where the government has failed-to help lakhs of stranded migrants, who are unable to meet their basic needs.
One such person is a lawyer from Panipat, who saved Rs.2 lakh for renovation work of his house but postponed the same due to the lockdown and is now using the money to feed migrant labourers and those in distress.
With the help of his family and friends, Rakesh Verma is using the money he saved for the renovation to prepare around 1100 chappatis every day and distribute it among needy.
Rakesh was pained to see several poor people, especially migrant labourers facing hardships due to no work and no income.
"When government and administration refused to help a migrant labourer, he called me and asked for help. I realised who will help the ones who could not even afford to have one meal and are struggling to survive. It was then I decided to use my savings to help daily wage workers and needy," said Rakesh, who feels happy to help others in the time of crisis.
"I have appealed people to lend a helping hand to the needy so that I can distribute vegetable curry along with chappati. Right now, I am only able to give pickle and jaggery along with chappati," said Rakesh who started this noble initiative on April 25.
A migrant worker standing in the queue outside Rakesh's residence to collect food told ETV Bharat, "My husband is stranded in Bihar and I was left with no money. I am thankful for the initiative as it has helped us a lot."
Rakesh, who comes for a humble background says that he will not let anyone sleep hungry and the initiative will continue until the situation demands.
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