GDSF Feed 55 People During Lockdown in Varanasi
In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh’s Ganges Deaf Sports Foundation, GDSF has helped 55 individuals by distributing food and masks.
In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh there is a sports association named Ganges Deaf Sports Foundation, GDSF. founded in 2015 has now completed 5 years in 2020. They decided to hold fresh elections, but they postponed it due to the COVID-19 lockdown. GDSF's General Secretary is Amit Sharma and their Joint Secretary is Vikash Tripathi. The association saw that due to PM Modi's lockdown extension many were suffering. Many Deaf individuals in Varanasi had approached Mr. Tripathi for help.
Tripathi knew that the government was distributing food through the police helpline number 112. He contacted them and gave them a list of addresses. However nothing happened as police were busy and the many Deaf continued to starve and suffer. He then decided that GDSF would help to support such individuals.
Mr. Sharma the General Secretary and Mr. Tripathi had contacted people for funds. They collected Rs 2,100 which was not sufficient.
They then collect funds from the entire state of UP. They even contacted the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association of the Deaf Lucknow, UPCADL - a cricket association - and asked for funds. GDSF's former Vice President Partha Sarathi Banerjee contributed funds as well and a total of Rs 15,000 was collected.
Mr Tripathi requested the GDSF Board members to help distribute the food packages. Since they were unable to help due to the lockdown, he then decided to take the help of Deaf individuals living close to his house. They then used the Rs 15,000 to make all the purchases. They all made food packages containing rice, dal, wheat, oil, biscuit, etc. With this they helped a total of 55 individuals who were Deaf, people with disabilities and a few hearing as well. They distributed food not only in Varanasi but also in remote areas. They did this for a total of 4 days
Some of the Deaf Muslims were also given food packages along with Bananas due to the holy month of Ramadan. All the 55 individuals that received the food were very grateful to GDSF for their support. Have a look at the images.
