They Need You!

For a county that successfully managed to reduce poverty to some extent from 2011 to 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 came as a big shock. The pandemic hit India in 2020 when the country’s economy was working hard to gain some strength. The pandemic broke it so much that its impact is still visible in the form of job losses and a rise in poverty.

Pew Research Center, using World Bank data, has estimated that the number of poor in India has more than doubled in just a year due to the pandemic-induced recession. The study shows that the number of poor individuals — with earning less than $2 (Rs. 150) or less in a day — in India increased from 6 crores to 13.4 crores.

Due to this rise, India is back in a situation to be called a ‘country of mass poverty’.

This setback poses big challenges for our country in terms of malnutrition, mass unemployment and extreme poverty.

Now the question is, are we doing something to help these individuals. Are we thinking about these people or we are just involved in fulfilling our own needs?

Let’s Give Back to Society

You can help them by taking a pledge to give back to the society through your small efforts. Great philanthropists all over the world have spoken a great deal about giving back to society. They have also addressed the benefits of giving selflessly. It’s not very difficult to do that if you have intent.

Here’s how you can do it.

1. Support Them- society

You can help an Organization make a difference and provide aid to the needy in order to lead a dignified life.

There are many organizations in India that run regular food camps and shelters for those who cannot afford two square meals daily or basic health facilities. You can donate to these organizations and support various causes. Even the smallest of donations can make a big difference in the lives of many. These organizations run highly cost-efficient social programs, which are able to use the value of every rupee towards helping the poor.

Your small donation can make a huge difference, enabling the needy feel a sense of hope, fulfilment, and persistence.

2. Your Time is Also Money

Further, one of the best ways of giving back to society is donating your time at a non-governmental organization, school for the underprivileged, children shelter homes, old-age homes, etc. Your time is precious and gifting it without any expectation can make a world of difference in the lives of many needy individuals and organizations in these tough times.

3. Support Children in Need

Help children in need by volunteering with orphanages whose aim is to help improve the lives of poor children who have no one of their own. You can also arrange food and stationery for such children.

According to the reports, there are over 2 crore orphans in India; more than the total population of Sri Lanka. And it’s difficult at this time to come up with a realistic count of how many children are orphaned due to the COVID-19.

Our country is already making an effort to help these children yet struggling to help all of them. Let’s do our part by supporting orphanages who are taking care of such kids.

4. Show them Some Love

Volunteering at your local old-age home is also one of the noblest ways to give back to society. Your small gifts, during the festive season or just a visit can help prevent the feeling of isolation and depression among them. The seniors appreciate every gesture of compassion and love extended towards them.

5. Do not forget to motivate your family & friends

Your enthusiasm for helping the poor can definitely pass on to your children. You can take your children on regular trips to various organizations, to make them realize the impact of small donations. It will inspire them to take part in social work and help those in need. Let them understand that donating a small chunk of your earning is a major mood-booster that is hugely empowering the less privileged.

Thus, while you go on with your life fulfilling your responsibilities towards family, do not forget the society in which you live. It’s everybody’s duty to help those who are at the receiving end and for them do whatever you can.

Remember, they need you to survive, just be available for them.