The second wave of Covid-19 that has hit India has brought the country and its healthcare system down to its knees. As the government, people and institutions struggle to cope with this new wave, stricter lockdowns have been implemented, including curfews and bans on public gatherings, etc all across the country. People's lack of Covid-19 appropriate behavior has been cited as one of the main causes of the surge.
The central government and some state governments are on high alert as a result of the increasing numbers, and aggressive testing and proper social and hygiene procedures are being enforced.
It’s easy to feel helpless when confronted with a problem as large as Covid-19, but small actions can make a big difference. Common citizens across the country have been rallying to help covid affected families in every way possible. In the midst, celebrities have also come forward to help the country through an array of initiatives and fundraisers.
Here are few popular Women across media, entertainment, and sports who are lending a helping hand to cope with COVID-19.
Alia Bhatt
Several Bollywood celebrities have stepped forward to provide assistance to patients and to thank the frontline staff. During the pandemic, Alia Bhatt has been consciously using her platform to disseminate valuable and verified knowledge about Covid-19. Alia used her Instagram account to ask for people's support in donating to fundraisers that are assisting people in these difficult times.
The actress posted a video of herself in which she can be heard offering her assistance to those affected by the crisis. She also encourages her fans to band together to support the cause in the minute-long video.
Alia captioned the video, “Give India - #CircleOfHopeThe #CircleOfHope starts with each one of us. @give_india is one organization that is working towards helping people all over India.” The star also added the donation link on her Instagram bio and added, “Every bit of your love and support counts.”
Priyanka Chopra
Popular actress Priyanka Chopra revealed on social media that she was launching a fundraiser to provide India with financial aid during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. The post seems to have gone viral, as it was shared not only by the Jonas family but also by friends all over the world.
In a strong message, Priyanka said, "Nick and I already have and will continue to contribute. We have all seen how far and wide this virus can spread, an ocean between us makes no difference. No one is safe unless everyone is safe."
Sania Mirza
Tennis star Sania Mirza has helped to raise Rs 1.25 crore in one week, which will support close to 1 lakh people in need during the coronavirus pandemic's 21-day lockdown.
"The last week we have tried as a team to provide some help to the people in need..we provided food to thousands of families and raised 1.25 Crore in one week which will help close to 1 Lakh people. It's an ongoing effort and we are in this together," Sania said in a tweet.
Sania has teamed up with Ketto, one of the most popular crowdfunding sites, to raise funds to aid the people of India in their battle against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. Sania will donate the proceeds from her partnership with the leading crowdfunding site to the Hemkunt Foundation.
"Our country needs our help and we can do our bit by contributing as much as possible. I am raising funds for @hemkunt_foundation via @kettoindia and would ask you all to come forward and donate whatever amount is in your capacity," Sania captioned her post on Twitter.
Hima Das
Indian sprinter Hima Das has come forward and donated one month's salary to the Assam government to aid the state's fight against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.
"Friends, it's high time to stand together & support people who need us. I am contributing 1 month of my salary to Assam Govt. in Assam ArogyaNidhi Account made to safeguard the health of people in the wake of Covid-19. @narendramodi @sarbanandsonwal @KirenRijiju @himantabiswa," Das tweeted.
PV Sindhu
Ace shuttler PV Sindhu has pledged to donate Rs 5 lakh to each of her home states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. She tweeted that she'll donate the money to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund in each of these states to fight COVID19.
She posted on Twitter that ”I hereby donate an amount of Rs 5,00,000/- each (Rs five lakhs ) towards the "Chief Ministers Relief Fund" for the States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to fight against COVID-19.”
Lilly Singh
Lilly Singh, a Canadian-Indian comedian, talk show host, YouTuber, and actress who formerly appeared under the pseudonym Superwoman, has also come forward to support India in these testing times.
Lilly Singh has been motivating people to donate for India. She had shared Priyanka Chopra Jonas' post recently on Twitter and wrote, "I posted a few ways to donate to India on IG but here's another great one! All donations go directly to healthcare infrastructure." She also has been supporting the 'Donate for India' drive.
Faye D'Souza
Indian journalist and television news anchor Faye D'Souza has been at the forefront of reporting credible news and information during the Covid second wave. Her social media updates on current events shine as a beacon of honest, exigent reality in a world where the boundaries between true and fake news are blurring with alarming frequency.
Apart from reporting on what it's like to work in PPE kits, what changes in labour laws imply, the Amphan cyclone, and so on, Faye also donated her YouTube channel's first earnings to an NGO that provides N95 masks to pregnant women in rural and remote India.
Faye D'Souza recently teamed up with Alia Bhatt to fight against all the COVID-19 misinformation on social media and provide the public with only confirmed, authentic facts.
There are only two ways to become immune to the virus: one is to become infected with it, and the other is to obtain a vaccine. It is critical to expedite the vaccine programme around the world, but testing is also important. The number of tests should be increased again, and contact tracing (ideally 20 people per case) should be taken up intently. To ward off this second wave or prolonged increase in the numbers, experts recommend a renewed focus on following safety precautions such as wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining a physical distance.
