GURUGRAM: Bhawna Daga, a marketing and communication professional, wears several hats — she is also an athlete, a Yoga teacher and a naturopath. During the lockdown, Bhawna has taken on a new role. She is now a district administration volunteer distributing food to the needy.
At a time when it is difficult to get volunteers due to fears of infection, Bhawna sets out for Ullawas from her home in Sushant Lok-1 every day around 10.30am. She collects dry ration like pulses, rice, buttermilk, biscuits and fruits from friends and relatives.
The administration provides cooked meals to villagers for lunch, which Bhawna distributes. She also provides them the collected dry ration for dinner.
“I distribute the cooked meals given by the administration and also give them dry ration with which the panchayat and villagers prepare dinner. My friends and family are helping me. On my way to the village, I distribute buttermilk, fruits and biscuits to the policemen, sweepers and other workers I meet on the road,” said Bhawna, who is a postgraduate in Yoga and naturopathy.
She began volunteering on March 29. Initially, around 400 villagers were turning up for meals, but around 800-1,000 people come now.
“I knew there would be limited volunteers and I really wanted to give back to the society. Since I am an athlete and do a lot of naturopathy, I know I can take care of myself,” said Daga.
Bhawna said that her parents are her biggest supporters. “My parents told me not to worry, and to help others with whatever I can. They don’t live with me here but they keep encouraging me. My friends have been very helpful woth donations,” she said.