The world has been hit hard with the outbreak of COVID-19. In places like the U.S. and the U.K., vaccinations are rolling out, and people are celebrating being able to go back to a more normal way of life. However, the pandemic is far from over, especially in countries with fewer resources.
We want to take today to discuss a heavy subject. Our beloved friends in India are facing a COVID-19 crisis. India is at the heart of yoga’s traditions, principles, and practices, and it needs our support. We want to update you on COVID-19’s effect in India and provide some ways you can help.
COVID-19’s Impact on India
In February, India began to see a decrease in COVID-19 cases, much like the United States and the United Kingdom. However, a new variant has emerged, and India is currently facing the world’s worst outbreak. Two days ago, it broke the record for the highest single-day reported cases worldwide with more than 400,000 new infections.
This second wave of COVID-19 has left families grieving as cremation grounds burn thousands of bodies daily. More young people are being affected by this new outbreak, including children and babies. Hospitals are overwhelmed and have to turn individuals away because they don’t have enough medical supplies or space. India needs support from multiple countries. The U.S. has sent oxygen concentrators, and the U.K., Italy, Germany, and Russia have sent other medical equipment, but it’s not enough.
India’s immediate need is support in saving the lives of sick people, but vaccinating the country remains a crucial next step. Unfortunately, even though it’s one of the most prominent vaccine producers, India doesn’t have enough doses. If this new wave isn’t contained, the outbreak could spread to neighboring countries that do not have enough resources to fight the virus.
As a nation, it is our responsibility to help our friends. India has given so much to the world, including its philosophy and wisdom. We need to help India during these difficult times.
Namaste
Namaste is a Sanskrit word that translates to “I bow to you.” Perhaps you’ve observed your yoga instructors bowing and saying, “Namaste,” at the end of class. This gesture is an acknowledgment of one soul to another, and is a form of showing respect.
Namaste is grounded in the belief that we’re all connected when we live from the heart. When you bow to someone else, you’re surrendering your mind and freeing yourself from a self-centered focus.
Today, we’re saying “Namaste” to our friends in India. Our hearts are heavy with the sorrow you’re feeling. We see you. We hear you. We’re here for you.
How to Help India
Below you’ll find a few ways you can help India. Before you donate money to an organization, please check to see that they’re legitimate and that they align with your vision of charitable giving.
- UNICEF USA: Donate to this organization and help them send medical supplies, such as oxygen concentrators and PPE kits.
- Hope Foundation: Support Kolkata by donating to Hope Foundation. This non-profit is aiming to help government hospitals meet the needs of patients and medical staff arising from the second wave of the pandemic. You can choose what your money goes towards—meals, oxygen, or PPE for staff.
- Youth Feed India and Helping Hands Charitable Trust: Donations to these organizations are used to put together and deliver ration kits to families in Mumbai.
- For more organizations to support, check out these lists from The New York Times and The Washington Post.