Category: Do Your Bit

Open letter to CM Delhi, Incentives work better than Enforcement @ILBS

Dear Chief Minister Sir,
I have a confession to make and a story to share. I volunteered to donate plasma at the Delhi Plasma Bank, ILBS. Eventhough the staff is cordial, I found out that they are not extending the benefits promised to donors in your website. As an unemployed youth, I found it hard to arrange for my travel and other expenses. I humbly requested the staff to offer the promised travel compensation of 1500 rupees, so that I can continue to donate, but I was blatantly refused and demeaned. The staff claimed that ‘delhifightscorona’ website is fake. I came back home disheartened and frustrated. When I got an acceptance call, I shared my grevience, but the staff rudely told me to not come if I have a problem, and hung up. My mental peace was disturbed, but I didn’t want the complacency of the ILBS staff to damage someone’s chances of recovery. I decided to be a replacement donor instead. After donating plasma, the patient’s family thanked me and voluntarily offered to cover my travel expenses and extended 2000 rupees for the same, which I took. Coming back home I read up articles about the black market of plasma and how despite government regulations, donors are earning good money in exchange of their plasma. This is where greed tried to eat into the compassion in my heart. I thought to myself, why should I risk my life and choose to spend my own money and time to donate to an institution which does not even value my contribution. Just for a couple of Marie biscuits and Frooti?
I know the Delhi government is trying to cope with this pandemic, and our State Health Minister has warned police action against black market donors. But my kind suggestion to you is to incentivize citizens to do the right thing and pledge to keep your promises. Reimburse travel, offer food coupons for a sumptuous meal (the food court can be used for the same) and make volunteers feel respected and valued. The certificate is surely a nice touch, and I will always treasure it.
I am sorry for trying to take the wrong path, and I can promise to donate to ILBS till I have antibodies, if you pledge to abide by your promises.

IHM in Hunger Pandemic

The unending pandemic has understandably brought the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) to a jolting stop. But it is time to wake up and lead the fight against Corona from the front. At a time where the nation is assembling every resource at its disposal, let us not forget the key role IHM can play in the hunger pandemic. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and an unmatched organizational scheme, the 46 IHMs in the country today find themselves in a rare position to alleviate the distress of the hungry poor. I humbly propose the following ideas for your speedy implementation;

  1. IHM-Langar, a volunteer-based program to efficiently utilize the resources in these colleges like industrial-sized utensils, ovens, gas burners, to prepare simple food and distribute through bake shops outside the college at a nominal cost.
  2. The government could start a Hunger Helpline and Hunger Ambulance to reach out to helpless people with lifesaving food.
  3. With its rich contacts in the hotel industry the IHM faculties can host a BAKESALE to raise funds toward PM CARES or similar government aid.
  4. The students of IHM can be enrolled in all the above on a voluntary basis to utilize their skills and contribute towards the Nation.
  5. Tie up with NGOs providing food to Covid effected families and assist in logistics and guidance utilizing the rich experience of faculties.
  6. The above can be started on a pilot basis and then expanded to include all residential hostels and even mid day meal facilities in schools can be put to good use.

There are certain moments in our life that define us as a society, let us take this opportunity to share responsibility and brave the situation ahead. Let not another life be lost while we continue to trudge through administrative bottlenecks and static thinking. I hope these suggestions help to move the needle and result in a positive response from you. Let not a single day go by when we do not do everything we can because;

‘A life spent making mistakes is not only more honourable,

but also more useful than a life spent doing nothing.’