'Change is what we make’

Chennai

It was November 16, the day when the first deluge hit Chennai. Citycolleges had declared a holiday and at the same time everybody was going crazy in their support for Paris on social media, when many didn’t even acknowledge the fact that people were dying in their very own city due to the rain. That’s when I decided to step out and make a difference in the real world rather than just social media. I called out for everyone, who wanted to help out the homeless and rain affected people, through a status on social media.

We started out as a seven-member team, today ‘Namma Chennai Calling’ is a family of close to a 100 members. It has truly been a phenomenal and life-changing experience, to meet and interact with so many benevolent and like-minded people who worked tirelessly for the cause of helping others.

To have waded in hip level, at times even neck level of stagnant sewage water during rescue operations, using boats on Anna Salai, in T.Nagar, Saidapet and OMR. Sometimes, we carried out air drops in inaccessible areas of North Chennai with assistance from the Indian Coast Guards. It has all been humbling and overwhelming at the same time.

Humbling because we realised what we took everything for granted, including three square meals a day. It is a luxury for many. Overwhelming because of the spirit of Chennaiites. Our biggest strength has been the relentless effort and perseverance of the team. Inspite of physical exhaustion and mental fatigue, each and everyone kept going forward with the sole objective of helping more people.

When so many people can come together irrespective of religion, caste, creed, social status and other barriers, we should uphold the spirit of unity for any cause that can make a positive difference to society.

If you have an experience to share, as an on-field volunteer during Chennai floods, write to us at contact us. dtnext@dt.co.in with a picture. We will feature your story.