Volunteering Experience during Covid-19 Lockdown
(April-May 2020)
I got an opportunity to volunteer as a 'Corona Warrior' as part of the 'Corona Emergency Response Team' - an initiative of Karnataka Government's Department of Information & Public Relations (DIPR). Below is a glimpse of some of the activities which I was involved in during the lockdown.
Note: I ensured volunteering did not affect my Adobe work in any way - my deliverables were always on time, even if it meant working late nights or on weekends.
Corona Warrior ID Card
I applied online for volunteering in response for a call for volunteers. I underwent online training and was then asked to come to the DIPR office where I was given this ID card on the 8th of April. I vounteered during the first phase of the Lockdown between April and May 2020. I volunteered until the team was disbanded (around May 20th) after the lockdown was lifted
At High Grounds Police Station
I was stationed at the High Grounds police station where we set up a 'Corona Helpdesk' to help people with their queries, obtain permission to travel within and between states and for help releasing their seized vehicles.
Among other things, I also helped a labourer procure AIDS medicine for his sick sister, helped elderly get medicine, helped procure grocery and supplies for food preparation and distribution drives, regularly wrote request letters for people seeking passes for emergency travel and helped people get their seized vehicles released.
Living the Police life
Got a chance to live the life of a policeman while volunteering at the High Grounds Police Station. I was treated as one with the police, used to eat meals cooked at the station with staff, went along with police in their vans and Hoysala jeep whenever support was required.
Morning roll call at the Police station
At a vehicle check-post - taking a break
At a vehicle check-post
Helping those who had come for permissions or for releasing seized vehicles
Inside a police van
At police station with ACP Narayan Swamy and other volunteers.
Food Distribution
Was also involved in food distribution with officials from the Labour Department and other volunteers. I was responsible for co-ordination and distribution of food packets (anywhere between 750 to 2000 packets per day) in the wards in around the Seshadripuram/ Vasantnagar areas for requests coming in through the food helpline - 155214.
Food arriving in mini-trucks for distribution.
Food distribution to migrants leaving city at the Kempegowda bus station along with other volunteers.
People lining up for collecting food packets around Seshadripuram area (near Majestic)
Food packets delivered to a local food distribution center (near Frazer town)
Public Announcements
Also got a chance to do public announcements with the help of a auto driver who was part of the government initiative to spread awareness.
In Conclusion
The 'Corona Warriors' volunteers group was disbanded in May after the lockdown was relaxed. I am thankful though, I got a chance to and could contribute in whatever way during the Covid-19 crisis. The volunteering experience has left me with lots of learnings, some wonderful memories and helped me meet some wonderful people.
