As India faces the effects of COVID-19 and a cyclone, students rally to support their communities

India is the second most populated country in the world — and the COVID-19 pandemic has shaken our nation to its core. Due to the rising number of cases, medical facilities in India are overwhelmed and under-resourced. Despite our government's multiple lockdowns and numerous structural reforms, COVID-19 could not be tamed.

Migrant workers make up about 58% of India’s workforce and have suffered the most from the crisis. Millions travel long distances from their home villages to cities to work in manufacturing, construction or hospitality. Because of COVID-19, they find themselves unemployed and hundreds of miles from their homes. Some have tried to return home on foot as the government shut down interstate transport facilities in order to contain the virus. Others are stuck, without the resources or support of their families. The government allocated a massive Rs 20,000 crore (about $300 billion) fiscal package, yet it is not enough to support millions of migrants at risk of poverty.

The COVID-19 crisis has greatly affected women, too. According to the National Commission for Women (NCW), the number of domestic violence cases are increasing. Male psychological distress due to loss of work and earnings combined with patriarchal prejudice lead to violence against women. Confinement with abusive partners exacerbates the issues.

But COVID-19 isn’t the only crisis our country is facing. In eastern India, the Super Cyclonic Storm Amphan uprooted thousands of trees, brought down electricity and telephone lines, flooded most of Kolkata's roads and flattened numerous neighborhoods. In northern India, swarms of desert locusts are putting the country’s food supply at risk as they devour crops and cause serious damage to agriculture.  

“In the midst of such an unprecedented catastrophic humanitarian and economic disasters, a group of 18 concerned 12th grade students decided to contribute to this cause.”

In the midst of such an unprecedented catastrophic humanitarian and economic disasters, a group of 18 concerned 12th grade students decided to contribute to this cause. We met through Whatsapp and discussed our desire to help support our country during this challenging time. Although we come from different parts of the country, we shared a belief to create change and contribute to the greater good.

We decided one of the best ways we could help is by raising money for those afflicted by these events — but instead of leaning towards a traditional fundraising event, we turned towards an unconventional and modern one. We wanted people to give back to their country while enjoying themselves. We brainstormed a series of digital, at-home activities that our peers would enjoy doing and help give them a break from their recent struggles. We decided to name the fundraiser Team Amal after the Arabic word عمل, which means hope.

The events took place from 5 June to 17 July. Participants have to donate ₹50 in order to partake and they’re only open to India residents due to donation regulations. During the crisis management competition, Team Amal challenged participants with hypothetical natural disasters and asked participants to come up with possible solutions. In the Harry Potter quiz, we’ll test your knowledge of Hogwarts and the wizarding world. During live events like debate, we had a mass discussion about current world topics like the murder of George Floyd, Indian budget cuts for essential workers, etc.

Through this fundraiser, we wanted to lift the spirits of our peers and raise money for the people who are affected by COVID-19 and Cyclone Amphan. It was an outlet to have fun, express ourselves and make a difference, while also showing that youth can make a difference in many ways, big and small.