While the rest of the country remains indoors during the coronavirus pandemic, the lockdown has brought little change for the people working in essential services. Doctors, delivery people, sanitation workers, and drivers are working tirelessly around the clock to serve citizens of the country.
As a gesture of appreciation, locals in Ambala thanked sanitation workers by garlanding them, showering them with flowers, and lauding their daily efforts to keep the locality clean, reports India Today.
A local of Nadi Mohalla claimed that they wanted to show respect to the sanitation workers and boost their courage.
“They are like family to us. Even before this coronavirus, they have been working here. We also want the government to encourage them in future,” India Today quoted the local saying.
A video captured the incident where the sanitation workers are seen walking in a line, wearing garlands, while the locals clapped and cheered for them. Have a look:
#WATCH Haryana: Locals in Ambala offered garlands to the sanitation workers and applauded them by clapping and showering flower petals on them. #COVID19 (09.04.2020) pic.twitter.com/7Ie5xTQc7P
— ANI (@ANI) April 10, 2020
People on the internet called the sanitation workers “heroes” who deserve our utmost respect for their service amidst the pandemic.
Heroes in this pandemic time 👏👏👏
— KD (@Sarojlenka) April 10, 2020
Much respect for sanitation workers .
— Sheikh Khaled 🌏 (@sheikhkhalid) April 10, 2020
Great gesture
— AARYA PUTRA (@LoneSou33045134) April 10, 2020
So touching, Thank you Ambala, you taught us rest of India how to say WE DO CARE…..
— Rajivb (@Rajivb16566194) April 10, 2020
In another kind gesture towards people working in essential services, two men, Joymon and Mahesh, have been serving food to heavy vehicle drivers at noon on NH66 at Kommady Junction, Kerala.
According to a report by The New Indian Express, Joymon and Mahesh have been working as drivers themselves and have faced similar situations in the past during strikes where they had to work despite strong hunger pangs.
Hence, the two decided to help other drivers, who might be working with an empty stomach amidst the lockdown, and feed them a proper meal in the afternoon.
“We decided to serve them food, which consists of rice gruel, pickle, a side dish made of beans and pappad,” Mahesh said.
The two spend roughly Rs 1,300 every day behind the food. Some people have also been kind enough to donate rice and other items to them.
Mahesh and Joymon feed nearly 130 drivers and have been doing so since the past 10 days.
This goes on to remind us how privileged we are to be able to stay in the comfort of our homes during the lockdown. Many are risking their lives every day by showing up at work so that we get through these trying times easily.
The least we can do is be kind to these people and help them in any way we can!