In our modern world, privilege often goes unnoticed. If you’re reading this article in the comfort of an air-conditioned room, take a moment to reflect on your unsaid privileges.
However, not everyone is fortunate enough and recent events have strongly highlighted these disparities.
Last evening, Delhi witnessed a massive downpour that caused inconvenience to almost every citizen. Sadly, this incident also revealed an unsettling reality: the severity of disruptions in people’s lives often depends on their social standing.
This morning, a somber cloud seemed to hang over our otherwise cheerful house-help, Maya Aunty. When my mum asked her about the reason causing her distress, she burst out crying. What followed was a heart-wrenching story, that reminded us of the sad realities faced by many underprivileged people.
Maya Aunty lives on a rooftop floor with her family, under a fragile makeshift shelter her husband had built to protect them from the sun and strong winds. However, the relentless rain last night broke the shelter, resulting in Maya Aunty, her two children and her elderly mother-in-law spending the night on their staircase.
Upon listening to her story, my father immediately stepped in to help and took her husband to search for a more secure place to live. This little act of solidarity taught me that in times of crisis, it is our responsibility to support each other.
Delhi, like many other major cities in the country, is dealing with the severe vulnerabilities that come with such relentless weather. As weather patterns become more and more unpredictable, it’s becoming crucial to safeguard the well-being of all citizens.
In fact, the urgency to provide support to those struggling to keep afloat is more crucial than ever.
Additionally, we should implement better policies and invest in stronger infrastructure for those most at risk. When resources are distributed efficiently and empathically, they automatically reach those people who need them desperately.
This approach will not only address immediate needs but will also be helpful in long-term stability and equality. With this, we can build a stronger foundation for everyone.
The current situation serves as a massive wake-up call, highlighting the sad reality faced by many underprivileged people. Our collective effort can transform this crisis into a positive change, where no one has to face such a difficult situation alone.