Kya Aap Ghar Pohoch Gaye? (Have You Reached Home?)

Recently one of my professors Mr. Abhay Kardeguddi had appealed in a group if someone can volunteer to call migrant workers to check their status and help if they have not reached back home from their working location.

Calling migrants, workers, first I thought it would be difficult and not sure if safe. If they did not reach well, they may keep me calling day in and day out. Also, language could be a problem. But still for a new experience, and to share some time for the society I accepted. Anyhow some change in mundane life during the lockdown period was needed.

50 phone numbers I got on a Sunday morning.

Before starting calls, suggestions from Ms. Shruti before calling were also unexpected. They had created a protocol for calling! It included questions to be asked and information needed along with few instructions as do not talk beyond these questions. You may get emotional! This was as per her experience.

My Dad & I started making phone calls to the numbers shared. We felt happy to know that almost all the people had reached home. It made me feel proud that the government & NGOs are working. We only criticize but to see the impact of NGOs and government was a good experience for me.

Also, I had got the data in a very organized manner. I never expected it to be like this. More than 10K people’s data. And all numbers I dialed were true with their names on the sheet.

The process was, call one person, ask him if he reached his home. If yes, ask if everything is OK. If not, ask if he wishes to go, if things are ok, if he is getting food and other services & where is he. Record these details and send it to the concerned person.

During these calls, gestures from all laborers were calm. No one showed any frustration and found happiness. Those who had problems also did not shout about it or made any kiosk. During a call, I also felt, what if someone calls me and asks, “Are you well? Do take care.” Just 6 words. But we all would love it. Just as Ms. Shruti had said, it may play with your mind. I experienced it.

BUT in the end, it really felt good that I did a good deed for someone :). As Mahtria Ra says, Be someone’s gift than asking someone to be yours, I kept calling them without asking for a call to me. :)