BENGALURU: The lockdown had taken a heavy toll on orchestra singer Bhanu B. Visually impaired, she stopped getting work, nor could she go out in search of a living. However, Bhanu was all smiles on Thursday as she got her first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Bhanu was among 78 visually and physically challenged people who were administered a dose of Covishield at a camp organized by IDL Foundation in Bengaluru on Thursday.
“Though the government announced vaccination for disabled people two months ago, we did not know where to go and how to get it. There is no uncertainty now,” she said. Thanks to the jab, Bhanu says she can now use public transport without being afraid of the virus.
“There were days when we did not know if we would get a meal or pay the rent and keep the roof over our heads,” she said. “My husband is also in the orchestra and we were both rendered jobless during the lockdown. We don’t have the privilege of riding or driving; we have to depend on someone or use public transport. I was scared I would contract the virus, but now I can move around freely.”
Shiny Grace Paul, managing director trustee, IDL Foundation, said the pandemic has instilled a huge sense of insecurity among the disabled. “They need help. We are only a bridge between them and service providers. We also had to motivate them to take the vaccine. We provided them with breakfast, ration kits and even travel allowance,” Shiny said. IDL distributed 800 ration kits during the first wave and nearly 1,500 in the second wave.
The inoculation drive was organised at IDL’s hostel in Mathikere. Inmates and people from other institutions working for the betterment of the blind and the disabled got a dose of Covishield. Chethan N, a student at the hostel, said they are relieved now they got the jab. “We were unable to get the jab, possibly due to shortage of doses,” he said.
Nagaraj S, a singer at an orchestra, said, “I was against the vaccine from the start, but someone convinced me that I should take it. Sometimes young children come forward to help us cross the road. I didn’t want to trouble them in any way, so I took the vaccine.” Anand V, 25 who is currently pursuing his master’s at Swami Vivekananda College in the city said, “The lockdown was a difficult time for everyone, but we are students so we are taken care of at the hostel or by our parents.”
