#storiesofgratitude – Pramod Kumar Yadav

Pramod Kumar Yadav from Dhanbad, Jharkhand lives with his wife and three young children. Being the sole earner of the family, he ran a small petty shop (khoka) which was stalled because of lockdown. To manage finance and meals, his wife along with the youngest child went to her mother’s home. The other two kids remained with Pramod and were in need of ration. On his case being referred to the Blind Relief Association’s COVID Helpline by Eyeway, we contacted various help groups/NGOs/donors who could help him.

Finally, we were able to contact the District Welfare Officer of Dhanbad, Ms Sneh Kashyap. After conveying the details, the verification from their end took one and a half days. His condition’s assessment by the team matched with whatever information we had provided them with. She ensured us that his children will get proper care and diet in nearby Anganwadi (childcare). She also assured us that he will be getting a disability certificate and through which he could get a disability pension.

Since the beneficiary still didn’t receive some ration materials which could not be provided by the district administration, with the help of an individual donor Pinki Kumari, Assistant Manager(HR), BCCL and an alumnus of the Department of Social Work (University of Delhi), the materials were delivered at his doorstep within two days.

He greeted her by saying ” aapka bhut bhut aabhar.”

It has been a very different and difficult case for the Helpline Team but it brought along new lessons of learning. We are grateful to Ms Sneh Kashyap, (Social welfare officer of Dhanbad) and Ms Pinki Kumari (Asst. Manager, BCCL) for their tireless efforts.