Solidarity in times of uncertainty

Due the ongoing lockdown, the Jalukie Police Station OC & personnel extended their assistance to Alongo Debnath, a heart patient and resident of Jalukie town, by going to Dimapur and procuring his medicine. It was handed to the him on March 26, the Nagaland Police informed in a tweet.  (Photo Courtsy: @DGP_Nagaland/Twitter)

Atono Tsükrü Kense
Kohima | March 26

In these difficult times of fear, anxiety and despair when the world is battling with the highly contagious virus COVID-19, there are still people willing to go the extra mile to help somebody in need.

Here are some instances where people out of nowhere have volunteered to walk the extra mile for those in need of help:
A patient from Kohima, who is on 3rd line ART who regularly takes her medicine from RIIMS Imphal (as it is not available in the state), needing immediate assistant as her medicine stock out was saved by two good Samaritans on time.

As she couldn’t go up to Imphal due to the lockdown, KP Ezung from Nagaland and Roshan from Imphal worked together to transport the medicine from RIIMS Imphal to Moa gate.

Meanwhile, the All Nagaland Counselors Association (ANCA) volunteered its services to provide free telephonic counseling to any person (s) who require emotional and therapeutic support. Counseling service, it stated through a press release will be available till April 16 by providing the numbers of some psychologists.

R Solo Steel Fabrication, Kohima has come forward to make handwash basins and stand for free for any colony, department or church who are in need, as long as they provide the raw materials.

Keren Rose Kosa, a mother and a government employee, offered to run errands for groceries or essential commodities for elderly citizens. In her facebook page she wrote “in these uncertain times those of us with transportation facilities can reach out  to others with none. Let us reach out to our elderly folks.” She added that such initiatives should be done adhering to all safety guideline and offered her services to elderly people in her colony. Her post has encouraged others to offer their services as well. 

The Nagaland Civil Service Association (NCSA) has donated Rs 50,000 each to all the eleven district administrations amounting to Rs 5.5 lakh out of their association funds.

Likewise, some churches have donated cash assistance to combat the virus, while some organizations, police personnel and clubs have been handing out sanitisers, masks, gloves and soaps to the public.

Community service in the smallest tasks can make an enormous difference in the lives of the people. It shows that people still care towards building a stronger community even in difficult times.