As the human race struggles with rights-based injustice and discriminatory practices within a political ecosystem that uses differences to run countries, it is also giving us the chance to rethink about returning to our ‘old normal’.
As the pandemic continues to redefine and question the idea of marginalisation in many ways by bringing questions of accessibility, safety, equality and inclusivity center stage for people at the margins, it also continues to push human race to revisit and rework on the concepts of religion, race, gender, health and environment that needs to be understood beyond theories, concepts, conferences and talks. In the midst of this, while physical distancing and the new social norms become necessary for safety and health reasons, it also continues to distance communities from outreach workers, care givers, social workers and supporting actors – who are important & indispensable actors in the society today. Just as the birth giving process presents difficulties yet the joy of a new life – this new scenario is presenting us with challenges and opportunities for a better tomorrow. It is time for us to awaken to the call of Mother Nature, it is for us to hear the call for an inclusive and action based tomorrow, it is for us to choose the future of humanity.
It is within this context that our cooperation circle members and grassroots communities choose to step up for a better resilient, harmonious and peaceful tomorrow by providing square meals to people that struggle for survival at the moment. Community focused organisations, implementation partners and members of URI - North India & Afghanistan like Light Up, Zestreet and My Perch have been working tirelessly since the beginning of the lockdown to serve, sustain and care for over 500+ families with food like pulses, oil, spices, sugar; hygiene care essentials like masks, gloves and sanitizers and basics like gas cylinders, rent, mobile recharge etc. to ensure that the most vulnerable are heard, cared and supported.
URI - as the world’s largest grassroots interfaith network supported the work of each of these members by filling in the resource and logistical gap between people who can support and the ones that require help. Providing the benefit of the network, URI - North India & Afghanistan along with Love Care Foundation, CFAR, Aayna Hunger relief, Sang Relief Initiative and committed individuals like Shahwar helped in providing dry ration and hygiene kits to over 380+ families and individuals.
We are grateful to our implementation partners on ground for their tireless efforts in keeping the light of hope alive for many, and our donors for their relentless and unconditional support and trust in our network. It is only resilience and hope of people like these that continues to motivate us at URI to commit and strive for a ‘new normal’.
