Donation for COVID relief continues through ‘Road Ashram’ campaign in Sikkim

GANGTOK

A group of socially conscious and road-friendly citizens have rolled out a donation drive to support people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of their campaign called ‘Road Ashram’, the team travelled along the borders of India, covering nearly 25,000 kilometres and 30 states, in about 54 days in a specially modified car.

They arrived in Gangtok, to engage with people and discuss the humanitarian impact of COVID and the restrictions imposed because of physical distancing.

“As conscious citizens of the country, we can’t just sit and let this happen,” Siddhartha Dutta, who will navigate the routes during the trip said.

The nonprofit sector is doing whatever is possible with the resources. But it is not enough. These organisations, especially the grassroot level NGOs, need immediate support to continue their life-saving work. Through the Road Ashram campaign, we wish to appeal to everyone to contribute generously to the cause, Dutta said.

“The idea is to stay on the road in our very own, crafted car, that we have decided to call Road Ashram,” one of the campaign team members and the driver of Road Ashram, Ahmer Siddiqui said.

"Through our 54-day drive on the Kacha-pukka roads on the borders, we wish to raise awareness and resources to help people facing difficulties due to the pandemic. Alongside, we will share videos and stories of India’s diverse cultures, places, and everything else that makes India what it is, a diverse, colourful and fascinating India,” he added.

Bhaichung Bhutia had also invited the team to his home in Gangtok on October 20. He drove with them for 20 kilometres.