Alumni from Braj Pranta, distributes blankets and warm clothes to the homeless of Uttar Pradesh

India is majorly a warm country. Thus the latest trend of deaths due to cold waves is no doubt surprising. While North India was under the grip of severe 'cold days' and 'cold waves' in 2019, a look at the data provided by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) shows a worrying trend. In 23 of the last 38 years (1980-2018), the human death toll in India due to cold waves was higher than that due to heat waves.  In 2018 alone, about 136 people died due to cold waves in comparison to 16 deaths due to heat waves.

Although the sudden frigid winds blowing over northern India have been causing havoc in the lives of all residents, the homeless, street dwellers and the poor are especially vulnerable. Lack of proper shelter and warm clothes have exacerbated their problem. Despite the fact that both the state governments and local NGOs tried their hardest to reach out to the vulnerable population, several remote areas remained untouched.

Being witness to the dire situation, on the birthday of our former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the alumni of Braj Pranta took the initiative to distribute blankets and warm clothes to the homeless. On 25th December, a 30 member team of Vidya Bharati alumni, distributed blankets to approximately 100 people who were either sleeping on the streets or took shelter in Rain Basera (homeless shelters set up by State Government) at Jaleswar Road.

A similar drive was also undertaken at Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, where members of ‘Vidya Bharati Purv Chatra Parishad’, surveyed the area with the intention of finding out people who had not received any kind of help from the government or other institutions. On sporting out the most vulnerable population, the alumni members collected old clothes and blankets in the early morning and then distributed them among the needy. The members did not put up any kind of stall to distribute the goods. Instead they made the effort to move around, and reach out to those who truly needed the help.

After a hard but satisfying day of work, when the members were asked to share their experiences, there was an unanimous response that seeing the relief and happiness on the faces of the receivers made all their hard work worthwhile.

Along with blanket and clothes distribution, on the occasion of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti (2nd January), alumni from Braj Pranta, distributed milk and sweets to street dwellers in Rain Basera area as well.

Vidya Bharati Purv Chatra Parishad wholeheartedly appreciates the efforts of  alumni members from Braj Pranta, towards helping the unfortunate.

If you are a Vidya Bharati alumni, and would like to share your story with the community, kindly fill up the form at : https://www.vidyabharatialumni.org/social-service-survey or email u at info@vidyabharatialumni.org and we will contact you back.