The government has not declared any relief plan sadly. The situation is likely to be complicated by more and more people falling sick. We cannot fight this war on two fronts: poverty and disease. If we weigh the options, we have but a few to opt-out for.

There should be a political demand to make available food for those who will not have access to food by the government itself.

Even if we open community kitchens, more than four people cannot gather in one place. However, the response of the community is very much needed. This response can be in two ways:

1. Handing over cash to families so that they can sustain coming month

2. Handing over raw food grains to such families.

As people to people contact is limited, there is a constraint on making cooked food available. Another problem is delivery.

Those well-to-do families living in housing societies can find ways to collect food grains and hand it over to neighbourhood poor localities. Less than 4 people should be able to do it. And the delivery can be in the chunks. These initiatives will be totally localised and perhaps the best offline model.

Most of the families have no access to online payments through GPay, BHIM, and other gateways.

However, it will need meticulous matchmaking between the targetted families and the source families. Social media can be brought in the service. In each area, we can form a small WhatsApp group bringing in donors and donee. This will not be difficult at all if there is a will.

We must find creative ways to make these matches. Relatively richer among us can take the responsibility of a few families. We can start with the immediate circle of those who we already know like maids working at our homes, laundrywalas, auto wallas, daily wagers, students who are stranded away from their houses.

“These are testing times for every one of us. Some might cope well with the isolation some may not. Isolation is going to be characterized with boredom, frustrations, domestic conflicts, strained relationships all of it. It is important that we be with each other during these times and help each other be mentally strong. Talk to people regularly, hold each other stronger. Be there for the community, for your family, for your friends and even some stranger who you do not know. People will remember how you treat them during this crisis,” writes Sameer Shinde.

This is all doable.

Let us personally try to adopt a family or two for at least a month to secure food for them.

The Buddhist Relief Fund (BRF) appeals to all for this Dana.

May I be a protector for those who are without protectors, a guide for travellers, and a boat, a bridge, and a ship for those who wish to cross over!

May I be a lamp for those who seek light, a bed for those who seek rest, and may I be a servant for all beings who desire a servant.

Author – Mangesh Dahiwale, Human Rights Activist