Anjali, an active movement leader lives in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka. Soon after she became a teenager, her father planned to get her married. She had no choice but to accept the decision of her father and move to her in-law’s house at such a tender age. She took upon her shoulder innumerable household chores of 22 members which left her feeling drained out both physically and mentally.
When the second wave of Covid-19 hit India in April, 6 members from Anjali’s family tested positive after which they were shifted to a government quarantine centre. After recovery they returned back home but another pandemic of prejudice had started surrounding Anjali and her family.
The neighbours and villagers started avoiding her family even after they tested negative. Moreover, they stopped buying meat from Anjali’s husband’s shop which resulted in a major financial crisis for Anjali and her family. For Anjali and her husband, feeding their two children became a daunting task.
When the IMAGE staff got to know about Anjali’s situation, they registered her as a beneficiary for the ration kits worth Rs 2000 for two months. This was a light for Anjali and her family in their dark times.
Remembering it all Anjali says, “ When the income sources of the family fully stopped, we were worried about our lives and had lost hope completely. Everyone ignored us but thanks to the IMAGE project for supporting us in our tough times.” Anjali recollects, “My family and I became victims of prejudice when we got infected by the coronavirus. We both decided to spread awareness and not discriminate against the infected person’s family, rather show support through care. With the safety measures and protocols, we have met infected people and consoled them with courageous words which are needed for their speedy recovery.”
“I got this courage from the IMAGE Next team members who were involved in the relief response activities. They taught me how to be fearless and instil positivity in people’s lives ”, she said.