Without a reliable way to predict the future with the COVID 19 virus, the lives of the migrant labourers especially, are unsure. Without assured livelihoods in most of the non-essential sectors, the migrants prefer to go back home to a sense of security. The sad plight of the migrant labourers struggling to get home on foot or by cycle has created a public outcry in the country, forcing the government to make alternative arrangements to send the migrant labourers home safely. The Karnataka government is organising special trains to facilitate the safe return of the interstate migrants from Karnataka.
Migrants from all over the country, lined up in queues in front of police stations, railway stations and in the Palace Grounds (collection of pass and departure point) has become a common sight now in Bangalore. Waiting with their families in desperate hope for their turn to travel, the migrants are dependent on the goodwill of people and the State, for food and shelter during the waiting period.
On 27 May 2020, BREADS distributed 500 containers of ready-to-eat Upma and cookies in Palace Grounds, Bangalore, to such people waiting for their passes to board trains. These food items were donated by IndiGo through ResponseNet to BREADS.
BREADS sincerely thanks ResponseNet and IndiGo for their initiative to help the needy in these trying times. We also appreciate all the volunteers who helped in the distribution with their warm-hearted presence and cheerfulness.
