Volunteers from minority community initiate COVID-19 awareness campaign in Tharparkar

The group also provided ration bags to the needy in a village near Islamkot

KARACHI: A group of volunteers from a minority community in Sindh have started a coronavirus awareness campaign in Tharparkar and have distributed ration bags to the needy people of the under-developed region.

The focus of this young group of volunteers is on how to fight against the deadly virus rampaging across the world while living a healthy life. Their activities are being carried out without any support of the government or any non-governmental organisation (NGO).

"A group of educated youngsters from a Hindu family have taken up this task," Narender Suthar told The Express Tribune.



The volunteers have started a social distancing campaign in the area and have distributed ration bags in a village near Islamkot.

"We have conducted a few session for the villagers, educating them about the virus and then distributed ration. Today, we have provided ration bags to 43 families, mostly schedule-cast Hindus as well as Muslim community, who live in the area, he added.



PHOTO: EXPRESS

The locals expressed satisfaction at the ration bags provided – which contain flour, oil, rice, tea, sugar, soaps and pulses. The bags would help in sustaining the families for a few days depending on consumption.

According to Sajid Bajeer, a local journalist, some shopkeepers in the remote area of Tharparkar have also kept soaps and sanitizers next to their shops, asking the residents to clean their hands before entering the shop's premises.

"The campaign started by these young people on social media is commendable," he said.



Ravita Menghwar, a woman receiving a ration bag from the group, said her family had not approached anyone for help.

"These young men visited our area, got details and then called us for distribution of ration bags. Believe me, we had nothing to eat at home. God bless them," she said.

The young group of volunteers had formed a committee and listed needy people in the area before distributing ration bags, added Suthar.