At a time when people are facing a lot of difficulties owing to the prolonged lockdown across India, there are also people who act Good Samaritans.
One can find some people extending generosity to others in deep trouble, who are going either on foot or bicycle to Gorakhpur from Bhubaneswar, Jajpur to Banaras, Jagatsinghpur to Malda, Koraput to Murshidabad and many other places braving scorching heat via Baleswar.
They don’t know how far is the distance and how long it would take . But nevertheless, they are compelled to undertake the arduous journey. They have had no other option left except quit their working place as the lockdown became unbearable after they exhausted all their money.
“No one is sure if the thing would be normal after May 17. Everyone is speculating and apprehensive. Hence, we decided to leave our work place at Koraput( working under a railway contractor for civil jobs) and return to Murshidabad . It took 6-7 days to reach Baleswar from Cuttack. Hopefully, by Tuesday, we would be reaching Murshidabad,” some people on cycles said.
However, at this difficult time, one Prakash Nayak (49) of Bhimpura area here, a man with varied businesses, primarily transporting, has come forward to help these migrants.
Nayak is donating dry food stuffs as well as cooked food to the men on the highway.
“These people are rushing back to their homes after interstate movement with registration was allowed. No one knows them , they are strangers in Baleswar. Since the roadside dhabas and eateries are closed they have nothing to eat. Therefore, I along with my teams are providing food stuffs and water to them," said Nayak.
Nayak has his team members deployed in various routes; some at Laxmannath border, some attending the distressed travellers between Bhadrak and Baleswar and some helping people between Bhadrak and Chandikhol. They cover the area daily by cars on the NH and distribute foods to the people.
It may be noted Nayak was among those who came forward first to extend food to the distressed lot ever since lockdown was enforced on March 25.
Firstly, he offered food stuff to the policemen on duty in 16 posts in the town besides masks and sanitisers. And at the same time, he provided food to the beggars near railway station and bus stand.
“I have obtained permission from the district authorities and carrying out my jobs single mindedly,” he told.