New Delhi: Hemkunt Foundation, a non-profit philanthropic organization served over two lakh meals and distributed over 12 tonnes of dry ration to urban poor like migrant workers, homeless and people living in slums affected due to the lockdown imposed to contain COVID-19 outbreak in the NCR region. In the extraordinary times, Hemkunt Foundation started a drive to hand out fresh fruits and vegetables to the poor Muslim communities observing a quite Ramadan this year.
“Following the popular Sikh belief ‘Sarbat da bhala: Blessings for all’, Hemkunt Foundation is working persistently and feeding over 45,000 individuals, every day. This includes distribution of cooked meals to 10,000 individuals, dry ration for 15,000 individuals, fruits and vegetables to 15,000 individuals to follow the tradition of breaking roza and milk to 5000 individuals including pregnant women, lactating mothers, young children, old and specially-abled people. We also plan to further distribute 45 tonnes of fruits and vegetables in coming days”, said Irinder Singh Ahluwalia, Chairman, Hemkunt Foundation.
Through the personal network, volunteers at Hemkunt Foundation started taking donation of 10 chapattis from South Delhi areas such asDefence Colony, Lajpat Nagar, South extension and also from a few areas in Gurgaon. Delhi Golf Club and Delhi Blind School came forward contributing large number of chapatis every day. Currently, more than 1500 families contribute to this cause and on an average 18,000-20,000 chapattis are collected, repacked and distributed every day.
“Millions of people across the country have been disproportionately affected by the lockdown due to COVID-19 outbreak, we have only been able to serve a small fraction of it in Gurgaon and nearby areas. My sincere thanks to all the volunteers and donors for collaborative efforts. They have been tirelessly serving the cause”, he said.
He further added, “We closely work with the local government authorities here for distribution of meals. Once we hand out the food in these affected areas, all the updates wrt daily distribution of food get updated in the government tracking mechanism through different web links of defense authorities. Local policemen also stand with us to maintain the norms like social distancing and handling people standing in long queues to get a meal.”
To carry on serving the people in need, he said, “These poor people and migrants in these slum areas are entirely dependent on the ration/ meals provided by us. Donations are the urgent requisite to continue and grow our efforts to serve and feed the people in need. My appeal goes to all the individuals and the corporate houses to donate and help the ones who need us the most in these testing times.”
The relief feeding endeavour has been initiated across different locations in Gurgaon region namely Tikri, Ghata, Ullahwas, Khadarpur, Badsahpur, Suncity Success Tower Slum, Dev Nagar near Damdama lake, and Manesar Industrial Area.
Also, looking at the huge number of people suffering due to lockdown, Hemkunt Foundation started Sarbat da bhalla – “Langar” at Gurgaon operations head office where 1800+ people fill their empty stomachs from langar, every day.
Hemkunt Foundation firmly follows the guidelines provided by the government and is among the rare organization which cares for its volunteers so that they remain safe. Local authorities and police also support us maintaining the norms of social distancing and controllin g the cues while distributing food. Since day one of lockdown, all the volunteers of Hemkunt Foundation wear PPE kits before going out in the field. Sanitization and social distancing are also strictly being followed while carrying out all the activities.
