Students Islamic Organisation (SIO), the students wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, has always remained at the forefront to serve people during any kind of calamities be it during flood, earthquakes or even riots. During the pandemic also the organisation, with its pan India presence, played a significant role during the first pandemic and are also very active during the second wave by forming a task force to help the people in need to save their life.
The Covid Relief Task Force was launched by the National President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Syed Sadatullah Husaini and SIO President Salman Ahmad to provide a platform where Covid patients can connect with verified resource providers for oxygen, plasma, hospital beds and medicines across the country.
On the role the SIO is playing to Covid infected people during the second wave, the National President of SIO said, “The country is facing an acute shortage of oxygen and beds. The patients and their loved ones are running from pillar to post for their medical needs. While the social media is flooded with contacts for various resources, it’s a cumbersome task to sift through them to find useful ones, especially when one is dealing with an emergency. The aim of the Task Force is to save the valuable time of patients and free them of all this hassle.”
The student leader added, “SIO has always been at the forefront when it comes to extending a helping hand to those in need, irrespective of their faith. We believe that it’s our responsibility as Muslims to be beneficial to humankind. We understand that most of the requests are from Delhi and UP as these states are facing the severest shortage of medical facilities. Despite our best efforts, we are not able to find sufficient leads for patients from these states. We hope that the central and state governments will realise their responsibility and provide relief to the people.”
On the response the organisation is getting from the people, he said, “The reaction from public has been very encouraging, Alhamdulillah. We have been getting calls from people of all faiths and we are treating all requests alike. Many, including non-Muslims, have appreciated the efforts privately as well as on social media.”
On the impact of activities of SIO, the SIO President said, “The rise of Covid-19 in India was marked by a relentless vilification campaign by media and the powers that be against Tablighi Jamaat and the Muslim community at large. Ever since SIO alongside the Muslim community at large has extensively engaged in welfare activities to help alleviate the pain of people suffering from the pandemic and lockdown imposed by the government. These activities have offered a different view of the Islamic faith and Muslims to the country from the one offered by 24×7 channels and helped change many people’s perceptions.”
“The sole purpose of these activities is to please Allah and fulfil our responsibility of service to humankind as Muslims. While these activities do help in improving the image of the community, they are not geared for appeasing non-Muslims. We will continue this work irrespective of how anyone perceives us,” he added.