A GLIMPSE OF THE WELFARE ACTIVITIES OF VIPRA FOUNDATION DURING OF THE PANDEMIC CORONAVIRUS
In the current scenario a massive havoc has been created by Coronavirus which has unfortunately victimized the entire world. No country is left untouched by this deadly virus .Every country seems to be fighting this unknown enemy in their own ways. India however is placed on a better platform than the other countries in fighting Covid 19 .This has been successful only because of the sincere steps taken by the Indian Government along with the tireless efforts put forward by the various Societies.
Being one of the leading NGOs of the country Vipra Foundation has left no stone unturned in fighting Coronavirus and has responded brilliantly . Comprehensive decisions regarding the welfare of the society, understanding the need of the hour and acting accordingly, compassion, farsightedness, a strong team work, active presence throughout the country, social service rendered towards fellow beings as well as flora and fauna in a disciplined manner has given a foremost identity to the organization. Analyzing the terrifying situation created by Covid 19 worldwide the organization had cancelled its National Conference scheduled at Rishikesh in the month of March and has started utilizing all the available resources in fighting the pandemic.
Vipra Foundation started with spreading awareness amongst the people by various means , including visual and print media. Deriving the various instruction from “Janta Curfew” the members of Vipra Foundation started lending a helping hand to the commoners of the country. Just as the lockdown began Vipra Foundation stretched its hands to guide, support and aid the people who were stuck up owing to their work in different cities . Understanding the gravity of the situation Vipra Foundation started a Mask Drive from Ram Navmi to Hanuman Jayanti. This drive was managed and organized by its Ladies Wing , that took an oath of distributing 7 Lakh Masks in 7 days. These masks were distributed to the not so privileged people, the uneducated masses, the labourers , villagers etc who were unable to understand the intensity of the situation. This Life Saving Campaign was highly appreciated by various sections of the society. The hand made masks were distributed far and wide including the Indian Army, Health Ministry, Police, Administration , Media, Government Hospitals etc. The success of the Mask Drive can be evaluated well ,as the figures of 7 Lakhs reached to 8 Lakhs and the drive which was scheduled for 7 days was continued for 7 Weeks .
Following the Mask Drive and understanding the running scenario where availing the daily ration became a tough fight , the Foundation began to draw the attention of the Government towards the trouble faced by the non reservation class to fulfill their basic need of procuring daily meal. Steps were taken and demands were raised to connect the National Food Security Act to the economically weaker section of the country so that they may avail the food grains at the subsidized rates. At the same time most of the Zones of Vipra Foundation started distributing food packets to those in need which extended for 2 Months and even more at some places. It was at that phase of the lockdown, when all the citizens of the country were locked indoors frightened by the unknown enemy , the enthusiastic members of Vipra Foundation without bothering about themselves set forth to rescue the distressed fellow beings . Those staying away from their homes wanted to reach their homes at any cost. Here again the organization came to their help and seeking permission from the Government arranged for their safe return either by busses or by their own private vehicles.
In the midst of all this Vipra Foundation made yet another nationwide announcement which forced every single soul to sing praises for the organization. The organization declared to celebrate the Parshuram Jayanti as “ Arogya Siddhi Divas” . An Oath was taken to chant 1 crore chants of the” Mahamari Nashak Mantra” along with distribution of “1 lakh Thali Prasad” in the form of complete ration to the needy ,from Parshuram Jayanti to Shankaracharya Jayanti which was a duration of 4 days. It was a proud moment for Vipra Foundation when the active social workers of the society claimed that such kind of social programme was witnessed for the first time in decades where people at large participated for the welfare of the society voluntarily. This proved to be a magical wand to prevent people from going into depression at this difficult time. The participation of various ‘Sant’, ‘Mahants’, ’Pujaris’, ‘ Acharya’ and intellectuals in the forefront helped the programme to reach its pinnacle. The environment was vibrant with the chants and ration started accumulating in from every corner of the country. Not only from the country but videos of Vipra members chanting the mantra started pouring in from worldwide. There were videos from America, London, Paris, Dubai and other international locations shared on Social media. An example of brotherhood was explicit through this programme. Here also incredible response wea experienced as the number of chants reached to 2.30 crores which highly surpassed the planned chants and 12 lakh thali prasad was distributed which also crossed the planned distribution on a massive scale. A target of providing two basic meals per day to 20 thousand people for 1 month was achieved with this distribution. No nook or corner of the country was left untouched. The volunteers of Vipra Foundation went to the interiors of villages, mountains, tribal areas , remote schools, temples, old age homes etc to distribute the ration.
Vipra Foundation devoted itself completely in this dire time to pay back to the society which was responsible for the upliftment of the Organization .Not only the humans the organization had taken extra steps for providing grains and water to the cows and birds. Distribution of medicines , sanitezers, food and water in the railway coaches and buses for migrant labourers , felicitation and providing encouragement to the corona warriors are a few tasks worth mentioning that has set Vipra Foundation apart from the others. Vipra Foundation has adopted an old age home displaying their respect for the elderly people.
Programmes and webinars are organized on a large scale to spread awareness about the prevention of Covid 19 .VCCI is playing a vital role in providing guidance to small and medium scale industries and budding entrepreneurs.
In a nutshell ,it will not be an exaggeration to say that during the pandemic , Vipra Foundation has performed exceptional services in the last 100 days which won lots of praise and accolades to the Foundation . Hundreds of people across the country are inspired by the deeds of the organization . Both Print and Visual media has played a vital role in highlighting the services done by the foundation in the time of acute crisis.
Vipra Foundation shall continue to serve the mankind as and when the situation demands. ”We are proud of our leaders and workers who are working relentlessly as a team to provide solace and extend a helping hand to those in need “stated Sri Sushil Ojha the Founder Convenor of the Society .He further added that Upliftment and betterment of the society has been the motto of Vipra Foundation and the organization shall continue to tread on these steps.