Covid relief efforts in India – BAPS
Another charity that has been brought to our attention this week is the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a volunteer-driven organisation dedicated to improving society through individual growth. As India nears the peak of its second Covid-19 wave, they have focused their efforts on helping those affected by the pandemic.
Tell us a bit about BAPS Swaminaryan Santha (BAPS). What are your main goals?
BAPS is helping to respond to this escalating health emergency in India by expanding its existing provision of hospital and medical centres with a new 500-bed facility in Atladara (in the district of Vadodara), equipped with ICU facilities, provision of life-saving oxygen as well as PPE for medical staff and meals and accommodation for the volunteers, elderly and vulnerable. This is in addition to the ongoing relief work in India since the pandemic began, with the distribution of hot meals, fresh vegetables, ration kits, N95 masks, and more. As the devastating second wave in India intensifies, and with the expected peak projected to be weeks from today, BAPS in the UK has launched an international emergency campaign to support the BAPS relief efforts across India.
What are the main challenges you are currently facing?
As you will have no doubt learned from the news, India is experiencing an unrelenting surge in infections and deaths from the coronavirus pandemic, with its hospitals coming under extreme pressure with shortages of oxygen and critical care beds. The situation is dire and critical. Thousands are dying daily.
How can people get involved to support your efforts?
In response to the escalating Covid-19 situation in India, BAPS has organised a 48-hour non-stop static cycle relay challenge this weekend. The relay ride will cover more than 7,600 kilometres – the distance between London and Delhi. The cycling will continue throughout the night –just like the efforts to save lives continue around the clock in these unprecedented circumstances. 100% of the funds raised will be sent directly to India to provide further critical care and support to the needy, as the devastating second wave in India intensifies. Find out more.
- Author The Bamboo Team
- Posted 30 April 2021
