Posted On: 2021-12-30 11:32:01
Everyone began the year 2021 with hopes of recovering from the catastrophe that COVID-19 was. Looking at the scenario of the previous year, 2020, the thought process was "things will never be the same again." But resilience was everywhere; the world started to emerge from the worst of the pandemic and focused on adapting to the 'New Normal'. Covid certainly was the primary reason that led to multiple difficulties in everyone's lives, though the virus cannot be solely blamed.
Besides Covid, the year did face natural calamities, ongoing conflicts along with world events that kept everyone glued to their news feeds. As time unfolded: political unrest at home and abroad, floods, cyclones and forest fires connected to the growing global climate crisis, and new variants of COVID-19.
The catastrophe of COVID got worse
A new variant emerged in the first half of the year called Delta and spread widely. Many countries faced medical insufficiencies due to the hefty expenditure spent in the previous year for an unforeseen crisis. The virus had long term effects on individuals, resulting in the diagnosis of black, white and yellow fungus. Hospitals lacked beds, ventilators and oxygen cylinder supply for covid affected patients because of the rapid rising cases and insufficient medical aid. The number of deaths due to Covid in 2021 surpassed the total of 2020 despite the precautions taken.
Another variant- Omicron was discovered towards the end of the year. Experts did warn that covid will have more mutants and the world might have to face another surge of cases, hence, covid protocols need to be followed.
People were pushed into poverty; several people lost their jobs and some families even lost their sole breadwinner to the virus. Children had to compromise on schooling due to lack of funds, resources or in some cases, the school itself couldn't continue functioning. The second wave of Covid19 created a shortage of food among the underprivileged.
Filaantro in collaboration with Child Help Foundation and Khushiyaan Foundation, helped the underprivileged to survive with food, relief packages, medical kits and oxygen during these difficult times.
- Filaantro along with partnered NGO Khushiyaan Foundation initiated a project- 'Roti Ghar' started serving fresh meals to more than 1800 kids every day in Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Odisha & Delhi.
- Along with partnered NGOs (Khushiyaan Foundation, Child Help Foundation), Filaantro started a project called - Free Oxygen Seva, which released 3 helpline numbers. These provided details regarding hospital beds and oxygen cylinder availability at covid treatment centres.
- Child Help Foundation (CHF) partnered with Filaantro to support and help in feeding and counselling underprivileged children on a daily basis. The mission ‘Zero Hunger’ started with the thought,” Not a single person should sleep on an empty stomach,” now serves food to more than 2000 underprivileged children daily nationwide.
2021 faced not one but multiple natural calamities at numerous locations. Cyclones at different coasts, landslides and floods in many states caused numerous casualties. A few districts of Maharashtra like Raigad, Ratnagiri, Satara and Kolhapur were majorly affected by heavy rains and caused deaths and other casualties. Similarly, Kerala witnessed high-intensity floods in October that affected the residents badly.
The state of Assam was severely affected by the floods this year. Many lost their lives while others had no home, food or clothes to survive.
To help the victims affected by these devastating floods, Child Help Foundation distributed Ration Kits, Soaps, Medical kits and Sanitary Napkins with the funds raised by Filaantro.
Education plays an important role in shaping a child's life. It improves a child's knowledge, skills and develops the personality and attitude. And schools are one of the primary mediums that help impart quality education. Lady Willingdon Girl’s Higher Secondary School is a well-known school helping the girl children educate and make a better career. However, these girls were not able to study in uncomfortable conditions (broken furniture, broken toilets, improper electricity, no water supply and uncleaned classrooms) and there was a possibility of getting hurt from the broken furniture and the damaged infrastructure. Lights and electrical wires could have gotten damaged through the water leaks leading to short circuits. Children's health would have been at risk because of improper hygiene.
A fundraising campaign was carried out by Child Help Foundation on Filaantro, its crowdfunding platform to raise funds for the school renovation. The Campaign was able to collect the funds required. This renovation helped more than 100 girl children to study in a better environment. It also encouraged other girls to join the School. Although it's a 100% tuition fee free school, the number of dropouts kept increasing due to the poor infrastructure of the school but with the improved school’s condition, more girls will be encouraged to attend the school.
People suffered not only due to covid but other diseases as well. A lot of underprivileged children suffering from life-threatening diseases like CHD (Congenital Heart Defects), Cancer, Diabetes, Kidney Failures from financially weaker sections of the society were not able to get proper treatment in hospitals. For such financially deprived families, Filaantro and Child Help Foundation raised funds to help them afford life-saving treatments for their children. Visit Filaantro.org to know more.
The year had an unprecedented effect on the lives of people, particularly those in the golden age. They not only feared for their health, but also the stigma attached to the infection. The lockdown unfolded their fears further, as they faced isolation, uncertainty, and income loss. The elderly living in old age homes without the love of their families had a bigger challenge of spending days alone in fear and tension. It is very important to make their lives a little easier just by sharing some love and spending time. And to share this love, the team visited Mercy Old Age Home, where more than 80 senior citizens live. Our team spent a happy time with them who are young at heart and full of wisdom. The team also distributed heaters (Geysers) and warm clothes to the Senior Citizen Home which will benefit them in the coming winter days. The team also had a small celebration for the coming new year.
Although 2021 was the year of new variants of a deadly virus, natural calamities and world economies along with the struggle to recover; we can not say it was a dreadful one. A lot of good, positive and uplifting things happened too!
The most significant achievement was the vaccine! The world has never made and distributed a vaccine for disease faster than it did for COVID-19. Billions of people got vaccinated against the virus. In October, India achieved the milestone of administering one billion Covid-19 vaccine doses as part of the national immunisation drive that started in January 2021.
Contingents of India at Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics 2020 results made 2021 the best year for Indian Sports.
Neeraj Chopra created history as became the first Indian athlete to win an individual Olympic gold by winning the men's javelin throw. PV Sindhu won the bronze medal, becoming the first women athlete to win Olympic medals for India. Other Champions like Lovlina Borgohain (Boxer), Ravi Kumar Dahiya (Wrestler), Bajrang Punia (Wrestler), Mirabai Chanu (Weightlifter), Indian men's national field hockey team, won 7 medals in total- 2 silver, 4 bronze and 1 gold. This surely was India's best performance ever.
Indian athletes appeared in the 2020 Paralympics. This was India's most successful Paralympic season with 5 golds, 8 silvers and 6 bronzes (total 19) medals.
India had another proud moment this year. Harnaaz Sandhu from Punjab won the Miss Universe crown. She represented India at the 70th Miss Universe beauty pageant held in Israel. Sandhu brought the crown home, 21 years after Lara Datta had won the title in 2020.
Festivals Celebrated in India are a true manifestation of its rich culture and traditions. The most exciting ones that are also celebrated nationwide are Diwali, Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Christmas and the list could go on. During these celebrations, the underprivileged people are often neglected, which makes them feel very unfortunate and cheerless. - Indoco remedies decided to raise the spirits of those who are impoverished and celebrated their 75th year of success during Christmas week in a unique way. In collaboration with Child Help Foundation and its crowdfunding partner Filaantro, they set up a 'Wish Tree' that had multiple pluck cards for goodies to donate to those children in the destitute. Their employees donated in ample amounts to improve several little lives.
Human beings are naturally resistant to change. Whether it’s the massive global upheaval of the last two years or transitions closer to home, it’s never easy to adjust to new ways of living.
Yet, progress is possible, but not inevitable. Despite many setbacks and downfalls, people have learnt and are learning to adapt to changes and lead better lives.
What are we taking in 2022?
The simple answer is 'Optimism.' Let us all welcome the new year with lots of positivity. And take a pledge that we will help more people in the coming year with whatever that we have and can be used.
A helping hand can be in any form - material, emotional or monetary.
Just one act of kindness can change someone's entire life.
Filaantro is an online crowdfunding platform that strives to help those in need by raising funds for them with a large number of individuals donating to a cause.
Author: Anjali Patel
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