This story was published in The Times of India on January 17, 2023.
As the intensity of cold waves in India continues, homeless and marginalised people living without proper shelter are exposed to harsh and inhospitable conditions. Numerous local communities and organisations are coming forward to support the less fortunate by providing various essentials, as are members of the Dawoodi Bohra community across the country who are also mobilising resources to provide relief and spread warmth among those affected.
Over 2500 blankets, along with warm clothes, cooked meals and dry rations, have been distributed in the last 30 days to those fighting against the onslaught of cold waves,” said Yusuf Mukarram, a global coordinator of the Dawoodi Bohra’s ‘Project Rise’ initiative, which is striving to provide better living conditions to those in need.
He added, “Our members in New Delhi, Kolkata, Patna, Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, and other affected towns and cities are collaborating with government authorities and local NGOs to support these vulnerable sections of societies. Even in towns like Mubarakpur in Uttar Pradesh, Galiyakot, Kota and Baran in Rajasthan, and Yavatmal, Palghar and Akola in Maharashtra, our volunteers are spreading the message of love and empathy as we continue our blanket donation drives to reach out to children, women and elderly people.”
Recently Dawoodi Bohra members in Mumbai distributed blankets to the waste picker community through Asra Welfare Association. Haider Ali Sayyed, Founder of AWA shared, “As the severe cold wave has settled over large parts of India, the homeless people, particularly the waste pickers, are hit the most as they sleep in the open under the flyover or on the pavements. We’re grateful to the Project Rise team for their support and would like to see other organisations help in providing warm clothes and blankets to those in need.”
Vast swathes of India are witnessing severe cold conditions, which is causing immense hardship for homeless people. Prolonged exposure to very cold temperatures is putting people at higher risk of hypothermia and, in some cases, is even proving fatal. Collaborated efforts made by various communities, organisations and government bodies to provide food, shelter, and winter essentials are helping slum dwellers, tribals and other such vulnerable and marginalised groups to survive these challenging winter conditions.
