Slums are long-thought by experts as a manifestation of urban exclusion and inequality. Poverty, hunger, and poor education are recurring themes in these often-ignored areas in many countries, including India. Zariya India is a non-profit organisation born during the COVID-19 pandemic with the mission to “channelise kindness from the unknown giver to the deserving receiver,” focusing on the people who live in the bastis (slums) of India. Zariya India empowers these underprivileged people by providing them with food, means to cook regular meals, and education.

 During the pandemic, the organisation distributes food and gas stoves to families in the Bastis in Khadakwasla. These families have lost their sources of income due to COVID-19 and could not afford food. Thanks to the food and gas stove donations, these families can have warm cooked meals regularly. The Daily Meals program run by Zariya India seeks help and donations to sustain the program so that the organisation can continue to share meals and spread smiles. Zariya India also improves the education of children from these areas by donating notebooks and pencil boxes.

 In addition to helping the families and children in need, the organisation provides emergency supplies, including sanitation kits and medical equipment, to the frontline healthcare workers at the COVID-19 centers.

 To learn more about Zariya India and donate, visit https://twitter.com/india_zariya.

 Image credit: Zariya India