It was COVID times 2020. I used to be on the road early mornings, and sometimes during late afternoons too, distributing rations. Many residents had contributed to the SCRWA EC initiative to buy rations for the migrant and the BPL population in and around our locality. Mr. Mudgal’s Guest House in B2 was the focal point where the purchased rations were brought and stored. His team made them into compo packs of rice, dal, sugar, salt, oil, etc. I had volunteered to distribute, as anyways, I was continuing my daily seva at the home for the old and destitute at Bandhwari. The villagers there had blockaded entry, but were given my special access as they knew my work and commitment to the TESF, Bandhwari Centre.
Back in South City-I, Rafique 9873308329, our barber, who has a shop on the Gurudwara T Point next to the hardware store, and Cook Ashraf Ali 9560217451, another Silokhera resident were part of my team. It was their job to identify the needy and bring them to an assembly point for the ration pick-up every distribution day. Two unsung heroes. You will love the stories they experienced.
Amongst the 2020 -2021 melee was a physically challenged guy, Kishore, on his tricycle, an amputee, begging for alms and rations to survive. In fact, that was his way of life. Let us fast forward to Circa March 2023. I am on my evening walk. An auto pulls up alongside. The driver says, ‘Babu-ji pehchana?’….his smile and flowy beard looks familiar and I say, ‘Ain’t you the tricycle guy?’. And he proudly says, ‘Yes! But after Covid, I decided to change my life, bought this Auto-rickshaw, and now I earn my living.’ Such pride in his eyes and his voice. Kishore stays in Silokhera. His Auto is also Ola registered. His number is 7065415966. Dial him when in need.
by Col Anil Alagh (M Block, 9312247284)
