In a special session on ABP News’ India vs Corona 2.0 e-Conclave, Mr. Amitabh Behar (CEO – Oxfam) and Mr. Sandeep Chachra (Executive Director, Action Aid), put a spotlight on the ‘human face’ of corporate India – highlighting the initiatives taken by Indian businesses and entrepreneurs to combat the COVID-19 crisis.
Mr. Behar emphasized how humanity played a significant role amidst the second wave of the pandemic.
Speaking about the various initiatives taken by ActionAid, Mr. Sandeep Chachra said, "During the first wave of the pandemic, we distributed ration to over 70 lakh people in need. We organized relief camps and helped several migrants during the lockdown. As the ferocious second wave came into picture, we started a medical helpline in about 10 states. Currently, we have 71 help desks helping people and informing them about vaccines, beds, oxygen, and other necessary items."
“In the coming days, we will start working in 100 districts of 15 states to help the local hospitals by providing them with oxygen concentrators, ventilators, oximeters, etc.” He added.
ABP News initiated this special conclave to understand the impact of COVID-19 on different sectors and communities. Through a series of conversations with the people who are leading the fight against Covid-19, this edition of India vs Corona e-Conclave looked at how businesses and industries are responding to the crisis, with compassion and innovation.
In the same vein, Mr. Amitabh Behar shed light on Oxfam’s ‘Mission Sanjeevni’. As a part of this mission, their company helped installing medical equipment including medical oxygen plants in India. "This year was all about saving the lives of the people. We are doing everything in our power to support the healthcare fraternity by donating protective medical equipment. We are also preparing an ‘Asha kit’ for the Asha workers in view of the predicted third wave of COVID-19."
Apart from this, the conclave delved into various pertinent themes like ‘Tackling Adversity With Innovation’ which involved conversations around business strategies adopted by companies to tackle the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on their organization, as well as the larger society. Various leaders threw light on how companies are lending a helping hand to the society through their CSR initiatives.