NITI Aayog: My Journey with Surakshit Dada-Dadi Nana-Nani Abhiyan Amidst the Pandemic” (2020)

As I delved into the heart of the Surakshit Dada-Dadi Nana-Nani Abhiyan, a joint venture by NITI Aayog, district administration, and Piramal Foundation, I found myself at the intersection of empathy and action. This campaign, designed to safeguard the well-being of 2.9 million senior citizens across 25 aspirational districts during the relentless COVID-19 pandemic, is a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines these challenging times.

My initiation into this journey began on September 2nd, joining the ranks of ‘Team Assam.’ The significance of my role transcended the conventional realm of internships. It was a virtual voyage, an odyssey of compassion, technical learning, and a chance to make a tangible impact on the lives of those most vulnerable to the pandemic’s clutches.

The objectives that guided my involvement in this noble venture extended beyond my routine responsibilities. The virtual nature of the internship provided a unique platform for technical learning and application, all while navigating the risks associated with the ongoing pandemic. More than just a data-collecting endeavour, the essence of this internship lay in honing communication skills, understanding the pandemic’s rural impact, and offering support where it was needed the most.

My activities in the district of Baksa, Assam, involved connecting with the elderly virtually — a lifeline of hope in these isolated times. Armed with a list provided by the Piramal Foundation, I reached out to ASHA and Anganwadi workers, constructing a mosaic of the community’s socio-demographic details. The phone calls weren’t mere conversations; they were bridges of understanding and empathy, built to connect with 40–50 lives in just 3–4 days.

In these calls, the campaign’s significance was delicately introduced, paving the way for questions outlined in the campaign pamphlet. This wasn’t just about gathering data; it was about weaving narratives, understanding the community’s pulse, and identifying potential issues faced by our seniors. The pamphlet served as a guide, addressing not only preventive measures and access to resources but also delving into the detection of COVID-19 symptoms.

Asking, “Is there an urgent problem being faced by the senior citizen?” opened doors to narratives of struggle and resilience. Piramal Foundation, through its Baksa team, stood ready to address concerns ranging from lack of food and medicines to banking and utility services. The intricate dance of questions and answers wasn’t just an exchange of information; it was a commitment to extending a helping hand to those who needed it the most.

The conversations, though structured, unfolded organically. It wasn’t just about checking off tasks; it was about listening to stories, understanding the depth of challenges, and being part of a collective effort to make a difference. Each call became a chapter in a larger narrative of hope and resilience.

My journey with Surakshit Dada-Dadi Nana-Nani Abhiyan has been more than an internship; it has been a lesson in humanity. The statistics may tell a story of despair, but each call, each connection, is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

As I continue this virtual odyssey, I find myself not just collecting data but building bridges of hope. In the quest for information, I discover stories of survival, adaptation, and the enduring spirit of communities standing strong against the tides of uncertainty.

In this intricate web of connections, my role goes beyond being a mere intern; I am a bridge between data and compassion. Every call, every question asked, and every answer received adds to a collective effort to ensure the well-being of our senior citizens. As a member of ‘Team Assam,’ I am not just a collector of information but a conduit of empathy. Each task, from conversing with ASHA and Anganwadi workers to evaluating the urgent needs of households, has bestowed upon me a profound understanding of the human experience in the time of a pandemic. This journey, defined by more than tasks and roles, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, shining brightly even in the darkest of times.

This is not just an internship; it’s a journey of shared humanity, a bridge to a better tomorrow, one phone call at a time.