Daijiworld Media Network - Kolar (SHP)

Kolar, Apr 22: With each passing day, the coronavirus pandemic seems to be strengthening its noose around the globe. These dark times have been a testimony of people coming together irrespective of religion, caste, colour to fight COVID-19. One such act of goodness was witnessed in Kolar.

A news report carried by Deccan Herald, tells the deed of two brothers who stepped into action when it came to helping people in need.

To support those who are facing disastrous situation because of the lockdown, brothers Tajamul and Muzamil Pasha sold their 30X40 plot of land they owned.

The brothers who live in the Housing Board colony of Kolar raised over Rs 25 lac from the sale of land. With the accumulated money, they bought essentials for the underprivileged.

“Isolation is key in the fight against COVID-19. Poor people venture outside if they do not get food. The ideal way to keep them inside their houses is by supplying groceries and food at their doorstep,” Tajamul Pasha was quoted in a report by DH.

The brothers hail from Mohammadpur village in Chintamani taluk in Chikkaballapur district. Tajamul was an eight-year-old and Muzamil, just five when their parents passed away. Soon after, they relocated to Kolar with their grandmother. To earn a living, the brothers had to, unfortunately, drop out of school after Class 5.

“A kind-hearted man gave us a house near the masjid in Gauripet. Hindus, Muslims, a Sikh family and several others gave us food those days. Religion and caste were never a barrier. What brought us together was humanity and we are now attending the calling of humanity," Tajamul added.

“Those days taught us the value of food. This childhood experience drove us to serve the poor till the lockdown ends,” he said.

With the help of friends, including members from all communities, the brothers began the relief work. Initially, they bought groceries in bulk and stored it at their residence. They then prepared ration packets containing essential items - 10 kg rice, 1 kg all-purpose flour, 2 kg wheat, 1 kg sugar, edible oil, tea powder, spice powders, a bottle of hand sanitiser and face masks were prepared. Next, the brothers erected a tent in an open space close to where they live, to set up a community kitchen to serve food.

The volunteers have also been given passes by the police, so they can make deliveries of the essential items on their bikes. They have managed to find people who require help by visiting the localities themselves and seeking details from the locals and elected representatives.

Tajamul maintains that they aim to provide meals to the destitute three times a day. So far, the brothers have delivered free groceries to over 2,800 families, covering some 12,000 people. They have also served food to over 2,000 people.

"I did not know that the government would extend the lockdown. I have done my best, using resources the God has given me. I plan to continue to serve the needy till the lockdown ends,” Tajamul said.