SURAT (GUJARAT): On recording many coronavirus cases within the country, the government of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi had ordered a nationwide lockdown from 24th March 2020 (after voluntary public curfew on 22nd March 2020) followed by enforcement of a series of regulations in different phases to contain its outbreak. Questions were being raised about the country’s preparedness to deal with the disease. There has been many confusions, turbulence, anxiety, disturbances. economic impact and what not in handling this pandemic brunt. About 35,000 plus people have been infected by this COVID-19 and more than 1,200 deaths have been reported.

The people of Surat – the commercial and economic center and the 8th largest city in South Gujarat have come with a unique way to address this epidemic. You may have heard of the adage, “saying it with flowers.” Here they say it with prayers, fooding, education and crooning for love and moral strength packed with a punch.

The registered social and philanthropic organization ‘Shree Kamdhenu Dhun Seva Satsang Mandal’ in association with ‘Society For Media Avem Police – Public Sahyogi Sangathan’, ‘J. K. Star Charitable Trust and ‘Kapodra Police Station’ have joined forces to ease the situation by helping the poor and needy ones.Since the last 42-days these samaritans are providing free distribution of food – lunch and dinner for all those scores of people who are hit hard by lockdown and finding it difficult to fulfill their daily basic requirements.

The Kamdhenu Yuva Mandal Musical troupe riding on a “Mukti Rath” (the mode of transportation to carry the departed soul in his last journey of life) travelling in and around Kapodra police Station jurisdiction announcing the dos and don’ts connected with this dreaded disease, singing devotional and patriotic songs and entertaining the people with their varied skills. In turn people eagerly await for their kind presence and to listen them from their balconies and enjoy.

One can recall a similar episode 26-years back in August 1994. There was an outbreak of bubonic and pneumonic plague with Surat being the center of it and then spreading across other states. There was widespread panic and Surat fought the epidemic skillfully.

Vipulbhai D. Movaliya, President of Shree Kamdhenu Dhun Seva Satsang Mandal said, “India has decided to extend the nationwide beyond May 3 for two more weeks till May 17; while allowing different sets of relaxation in red, orange and green zones. We will be catering for the deserved people till then and further more periods. I am thankful to all those who are associated with us and the entire team members accordingly. I am humbled and grateful to Mr. Hiteshbhai Dhaulia (Social worker and representative of J. K. Star Charitable Trust), Mr. Rohitbhai Riyani (Social Worker), Mr. Dilipbhai Patel (Gujarat State President of Society For Media Avem Police- Public Sahyogi Sangathan and publisher-editor of Hindi weekly newspaper Mumbai Tarang), social worker Me. Purshottambhai Thumar (Das), cook and social worker Mr. Pankajbhai Dobriyal, P.I. Mr. Mansukhbhai Gujjar (of Kapodra Police Station) and others for keeping in sync and lending a great helping hand for this noble cause.”