Musical truck helping residents relieve Covid stress

Gaurav Kanthwal

Tribune News Service

Zirakpur, July 4

‘Rakh Honsla’, a novel initiative by a group of individuals from Zirakpur, Dera Bassi and Lalru, is bringing cheer to people with live performances on a musical truck.

Armed with a battery of local comedians and a truck equipped with an LED screen, a DJ system and disco lights, the initiative gives the residents a chance to release their pent-up energy and spend stress-free evenings.

It has only been four-five days since this programme began, but the troupe is getting a huge adulation from children who come out to shake a leg on their favourite numbers or showcase their talent. The funny one-liners in chaste Punjabi break the shyness barrier and persuade even the elderly to join in.

“The truck looks so cool and the music is awesome. I wish it could come every day to my society,” said 11-year-old Abhishek Garg, who lives behind the Gazipur market.

The musical endeavour was taken to mitigate the increasing stress levels in the society and in view of the increasing incidents of suicide. The area has witnessed a dozen cases of suicide in the past one month.

Sonu Sethi, a social activist who took the initiative, said, “The entire expenditure is of around Rs12,000 per day and Roti Bank is pitching in too. We maintain social distancing and caution people that if they do not follow the guidelines, the programme will stop.”

After three months of being caged in homes due to the Covid-19 outbreak, kids get an opportunity to dance, sing songs collectively and celebrate birthdays by coming out in the balconies of their houses.

People can invite the troupe to their housing society or residence for a free-of-cost performance. “We plan to continue it for the next two months,” said the organiser.