Bengaluru witnessed an extraordinary display of community service during the Covid-19 pandemic as more than 30 Masjids transformed into service centres. These religious institutions took the lead in relief efforts, extending support to those in desperate need.
Phase 1: March 2020 – December 2020
During the initial wave of the pandemic, Masjids such as Masjid-e-Umar Farooq in MS Palya, Masjid-e-Mamoor in Koramangala, and Masjid-e-Ummul Hasnain in Indira Nagar emerged as key support hubs. Various neighbourhoods, including Singapore Layout, K.R. Puram, Yelahanka, Nayandahalli, Jayanagar, Tilak Nagar, and Yeshwanthpur, saw active relief operations.
Essential aid was provided through distribution of cooked meals to migrant labourers and stranded travellers, supply of ration kits, including vegetables, to slum dwellers, and financial assistance to the underprivileged.
Additionally, volunteers undertook the solemn task of providing food for grieving families at crematoriums in Dasarahalli, Hebbal, MS Palya, Gandhi Nagar, Lal Bagh, and Leggere. Food packets were also delivered to inpatient attendants at KC General Hospital in Malleswaram, as well as to jobless daily wage labourers in slums across MS Palya, Leggere, Yeshwanthpur, and Sanjay Nagar.
Phase 2: September 2020 – February 2021
As the pandemic evolved, the focus shifted towards medical assistance. Masjids in nearby towns such as MD Block, Hesaraghatta, Chikkabanavara, Doddaballapur, and Chikkaballapur played a crucial role. Their contributions included organising Covid testing centres, hosting blood donation camps, and distributing and refilling oxygen cylinders.
Masjid-e-Umar Farooq, through its tailoring unit – a training centre for underprivileged women – produced over 30,000 face masks, supplying them to large establishments, including the railways.
One of the most remarkable acts of service was the dignified handling of last rites. Volunteers stepped forward to perform funerals, including those of non-Muslims, at a time when even close relatives hesitated to approach the deceased.
Medical and Oxygen Support
Oxygen cylinders were supplied to critically ill patients with valid medical prescriptions.
Emergency ambulance services were provided through HRS ambulances.
Oxygen refilling was arranged in Peenya Industrial Area, ensuring a continuous supply.
Stage 2: June 2021 – March 2022
The humanitarian efforts attracted the attention of the Azim Premji Foundation (APF), which collaborated with Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) and its humanitarian wing, HRS. Recognising HRS’s grassroots impact, APF extended significant funding, enabling further expansion of relief work.
Major Projects and Achievements
A ₹2 crore relief project (June – August 2021) focusing on ration distribution across MS Palya, Kuvempu Nagar, Mominpura, Valmiki Nagar, and Katha Nagar; identification of beneficiaries and equitable distribution to both Muslim and non-Muslim households, and distribution of over 2,000 ration kits worth ₹1 crore.
A vaccination drive (September 2021 – March 2022) included200+ vaccination camps in Bengaluru, coverage of 18,000 people, achieving a 92% first-dose and 87% second-dose vaccination rate, and tech-based tracking for efficient execution.