Hope shines in Maharashtra’s worst-hit Nagpur district to heal corona scars

By Moin Qazi*
The catastrophe unfolding of the pandemic appears to be the worst-case scenario that many feared: the second wave coronavirus has rapidly slid into a devastating crisis as the disease continues to rampage. The infections have spread so fast that overwhelmed hospitals are unbearably full; medicine is running out; supplies of lifesaving oxygen running low and morgues have run out of space. The sick have been left stranded in interminable lines at hospital gates or at home, literally gasping for air.
But hope still shines in this dark tragedy as civil society has risen to the occasion with its cadres defying threats to their own safety to supplement the state’s efforts. An integral aspect of our collective response is that the pandemic has engendered a united resolve, and for some organizations, countering hate is an exercise in demonstrating love and compassion. In the face of the pandemic, Indians transcending barriers of class, caste, region and religion have spontaneously collaborated to support each other and those in need.
Several nationwide organisations, such as the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) have a long track record of being in the forefront of relief efforts. Their grassroots-based nationwide network is now being effectively leveraged. Coming to the rescue of people in Nagpur, the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind has set up an 86 bedded hospital for COVID patients in collaboration with the Nagpur administration. It has a full complement of relief team; MBBS doctors supported by Ayush doctors, GNM nurses, ANM nurses and housekeeping staff. The JIH has allied with Medical Service Society (MSS) — an organization which has taken up a number of other projects with the Jamaat.

Dr Anwaar Siddiqui

Nagpur is the worst-hit district in Maharashtra. The entire system has collapsed and COVID has wreaked havoc. Every day 8000 new positive cases are reported in Nagpur Once known as the medical hub of central India; Nagpur is becoming the COVID hotspot. “At both the individual and institutional level, we have been serving our fellow citizens even before COVID-19. The magnitude of the challenge and the sheer plight of those in need have only strengthened our resolve to do more,” says Dr Anwaar Siddiqui, the President of the Nagpur unit of the Jamaat. Donning the full PPE, Dr. Siddiqui spends his greater day in supervising relief operations at the centre
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also visited the Covid Health Centre. Lauding the role of Jamaat-e-Islami, and MSS, Fadnavis said, “Today our society needs such people and organisations who understand the pain and grief of people and who try to help them overcome their problems. We are glad to know that the Jamaat has come forward for this work and is trying to help out during this huge pandemic”.
The Jamaat is also supplying oxygen cylinders to patients through its various outlets. Dr Asif Khan ,the regional unit President (Nagpur West) is monitoring the operations. The Jamaat’s efforts got the much needed motivational oxygen when city’s transport tycoon Pyare Khan used his personal resources and logistical infrastructure to mobilize oxygen supplies from distant centres.
—
*Development expert

Comments

When democracy becomes a performance: The Tibetan exile experience

By Tseten Lhundup* I was born in Bylakuppe, one of the largest Tibetan settlements in southern India. From childhood, I grew up in simple barracks, along muddy roads, and in fields with limited resources. Over the years, I have watched our democratic system slowly erode. Observing the recent budget session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, these “democratic procedures” appear grand and orderly on the surface, yet in reality they amount to little more than empty formalities. The parliamentarians seem largely disconnected from the everyday struggles faced by ordinary exiled Tibetans like us.

Civil society flags widespread violations of land acquisition Act before Parliamentary panel

By Jag Jivan Civil society organisations and stakeholders from across India have presented stark evidence before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj , alleging systemic violations of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act, 2013 , particularly in Scheduled Areas and tribal regions.

Beyond the island: Top mythologist reorients the geography of the Ramayana

By Jag Jivan In a compelling new analysis that challenges conventional geographical assumptions about the ancient epic, writer and mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik has traced the roots of the Ramayana to the forests and river systems of Central and Eastern India, rather than the peninsular south or the modern island nation of Sri Lanka.

Dr. Ram Bux Singh: Biogas pioneer’s legacy gains urgency amid energy crisis

By A Representative In an era defined by a global energy crisis and a desperate search for sustainable solutions, the visionary work of an Indian scientist from the mid-20th century is finding renewed, urgent relevance. Dr. Ram Bux Singh , a pioneering figure in biogas and renewable energy , is being posthumously honored by the Government of India, even as his decades-old innovations provide a blueprint for today’s challenges.

Alarming decline in India's repair culture threatens circular economy goals: Study

By Jag Jivan A comprehensive new study by environmental research and advocacy organisation Toxics Link has painted a worrying picture of India's fading repair culture, warning that the trend towards replacement over repair is accelerating the country's already critical e-waste crisis.

The soundtrack of resistance: How 'Sada Sada Ya Nabi' is fueling the Iran war

By Syed Ali Mujtaba* The Persian track “ Sada Sada Ya Nabi ye ” by Hossein Sotoodeh has taken the world by storm. This viral media has cut across linguistic barriers to achieve cult status, reaching over 10 million views. The electrifying music and passionate rendition by the Iranian singer have resonated across the globe, particularly as the high-intensity military conflict involving Iran entered its second month in March 2026.

Protesters in UK cities voice concerns over alleged developments in Bastar region

By A Representative Demonstrations were held across several cities in the United Kingdom on March 28, as groups and activists gathered to protest what they described as state actions in India under the reported “Operation Kagar.”

Food security? Gujarat govt puts more than 5 lakh ration cards in the 'silent' category

By Pankti Jog* A new statistical report uploaded by the Gujarat government on the national food security portal shows that ensuring food security for the marginalized community is still not a priority of the state. The statistical report, uploaded on December 24, highlights many weaknesses in implementing the National Food Security Act (NFSA) in state.

Manufacturing, services: India's low-skill, middle-skill labour remains underemployed

By Francis Kuriakose* The Indian economy was in a state of deceleration well before Covid-19 made its impact in early 2020. This can be inferred from the declining trends of four important macroeconomic variables that indicate the health of the economy in the last quarter of 2019.

Search This Blog