RESHMA SAWANT
>> During Covid phase-1, she mobilized resources with the help of local leaders
>> Distributed groceries and essential items like vegetables, eggs etc in her locality
>> Now, she is raising awareness about vaccines and serving needs of positive patients
RAMESH SAWANT
>> An auto-rickshaw driver, he has been using his three-wheeler for funeral runs of patients who passed away
PANAJI
At a time when there’s negative news from all sides, there are some committed silent warriors too who work diligently but do not seek publicity. Contributing to the society in their own small way is a couple “ Reshma and her husband Ramesh Sawant, residents of Chicalim, Mormugao, who have been silent warriors for over a year now, since the pandemic hit last year.
While Reshma, runs a women’s self-help-group under the DRDA-Stree Shakti, her husband Ramesh is an auto-rickshaw driver, both contributing to make both ends meet for the family. It was during the initial period when the pandemic struck in March 2020, that Reshma served on multiple fronts, by mobilizing resources with the help of local leaders and distributing groceries and essential items like vegetables, eggs etc in the locality.
“I used to leave home at 4 am to go with the Sarpanch to the horticultural department and collect the vegetables, which were later distributed to the people in my ward. The MLA also sponsored a certain amount for the grocery kits,” recalls Reshma who was occasionally fearful while working on the field, thinking about the risk she was putting on her family. “However, I took extra precautions,” she says.
Reshma has been a warrior during the second wave as well by raising awareness about vaccines and motivating people from her community to overcome any hesitancy. Her campaign benefitted at least 150 people. She has also been serving the needs of Covid positive patients in our community by patiently addressing their requirements. “My husband has been using his rickshaw for funeral runs of patients who passed away,” adds Reshma who herself visits the family of the bereaved and assures them of her availability for assistance.
Reshma’s work is appreciated in terms of the trust she receives from the community and its leaders. The Sarpanch is always willing to assist Reshma for rolling out any kind of program or scheme as they believe in her leadership and goodness of heart. She is also an elected member of the village development committee. “I always wanted to do something for others and I will continue to work and provide help,” asserts Reshma who is now gearing up for the unexpected circumstances that the State might have to witness in the near future.
