Aid for children who lost their father to Covid-19

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, July 24

Days after the plight of a grandfather, who is taking care of his grandchildren who lost their parents, was highlighted in these columns, help has started pouring in for them.

Their grandfather, Pritam Singh (name changed), had recently lost his son to Covid-19 while his daughter-in-law died a few years ago due to some health problem. “Raising his grandchildren single-handedly had become a tough task,” says Pritam. This reporter has received calls to help Pritam Singh.

Recently, an NGO, Ik Aas Foundation Society, reached out to Pritam and got his grandchildren enrolled in a school and got them books. Now, the NGO has taken the responsibility of education of both children till Class XII.

The president of the NGO is Kanwarjeet Singh Chandi and the Vice President is Pardeep Singh Kang.

Pardeep Singh Kang, vice-president of the NGO, said, “We aim to help those children who lost their parents amid these times of unprecedented health crisis.”

When contacted, Pritam said he was feeling a little relieved now. “This is what I want. If they get good education, I’ll be content,” he said.

“They are the only ones I have to live for. But I always keep on thinking what will happen to them once I am gone,” a distressed grandfather shared.

When his son died of Covid-19 last year in September, he was pushed to the brink. With small children to feed and take care of, he had shared how he had spent money on the treatment of his daughter-in-law and then on his son. “We used to have a small house of our own, but we had to sell that because of all these problems. Now we live on rent,” Pritam shared.

He said, “All day he keeps on thinking about the future of his grandchildren who don’t even have a permanent shelter. Even his wife has suffered two paralytic attacks and is unable to do any work.” He said, “I am thankful to those who have visited me and provided me help. Pension has also started. I just want my grandchildren to live a respectful and happy life.”

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.