As India fights the COVID-19 virus and the perils of the largest migrant exodus in recent history, the researchers of the nation stepped forward, not only with their attempts to find a solution to fight the virus better but also by supporting their fellow citizens in this crisis. Representatives of Research Scholars of India (RSI) and the Indian Scientific Education and Technology (ISET) Foundation came forward to support daily wage workers and their families, who have been affected during the COVID-19 lockdown in the country. Food packets were distributed to around 2000 people in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. While 600 people got the packages in Lucknow, more than 1400 were distributed in Begusarai on May 28. They are planning to further distribute support packages as the lockdown has been extended in many parts of India.
"We always believe in rendering service to the nation, and in this time of need when the entire nation is coping and recovering from COVID-19 pandemic, we felt that we should do our bit to help the downtrodden daily wage workers of our country," said Nikhil Gupta, National Representative and Coordinator of RSI. The teams from ISET and RSI came together to arrange and distribute food packets to daily wage workers in Begusarai as well. The package had onions, dal, rice, potatoes, biscuits, bananas and water bottles enough to sustain them for a month. "We felt water bottles are important, as many poor people do not have access to proper drinking water facilities especially in the current circumstances," said Nikhil. ISET and RSI intend to regularly disburse these food and water packets to daily wage workers.
"We have been funding these efforts from our own resources and funds as service to the nation. We are looking at expanding the activity to access more people and intend to conduct such drives regularly," said Dr Sandeep Singh, Founder President of the ISET Foundation. Sandeep and Nikhil are researchers in CBMR SGPGI Campus Lucknow, and have previously been part of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and IIT Madras. "Research Scholars of India is a representative group of thousands of research scholars across the country, who believe in supporting and participating welfare activities on the frontline. This effort is an affirmation to our commitment towards the well being of our country and it's people," added Nikhil.
Rishi Kant, a research scholar from IIT Delhi, said that research scholars across India are enthusiastic to contribute in the fight against COVID-19 and help in the recovery efforts. "Joining the initiative from RSI and ISET was a natural extension of my desire to serve the country and its people," he said, adding that RSI is well known for coordinating research scholars and students on a national level.
