Getting closer to Mega Project!
Sometimes, life brings you opportunities from sources that you had never imagined earlier. This project is certainly a potential eye-opener, and it has paved our way towards getting closer to reality/nature.
With growing population, the growth in urbanization has significantly increased. People seeking better economic opportunities, have been migrating in flocks to the urban area of the country. Now, these extensive proportions has elevated the development of unplanned settlements in metropolitan urban areas, called “Slums”.
According to a UNICEF study, “the slums in Lahore are home to 1.7 million people, and it has reached the upper limit threshold of the city’s overall population”. These people lack the basic commodities of life and their men often work diligently as wage workers from morning till evening yet not being able to provide enough for their families.
On top of that, Covid19 has affected millions throughout the globe drastically. And, we know that it is continuously striking back on regular intervals leading to shutdowns, lockdowns, international restrictions on imports/exports and so on. These daily wage workers have been struggling to survive in this unprecedented situation.
I was quite enticed to visit few of the slum areas in Lahore and carefully listen to their needs/demands. In fact, when I reached there and stepped out of my car to call upon one of the members there, they all came rushing expecting something of good. And, they were enlightened to know that someone has come to raise voice for their needs.
Thereafter, I summoned one of the elders there for a short interview, and they were very welcoming to do so.
- What is your take on Covid19, has it affected you guys in anyway? The elder member replied by saying “If the priviledged ones are extremely affected, what can you expect from us who are primarily surviving on the kindness and generosity of people like you”.
- During Ramadan, do you guys often receive visits from philanthropic organizations/people for Iftar? The woman from one area answered by nodding her head that “we have not seen people of such sort in recent times”. A group from another area replied “Yes, we do often receive visits; however, we are craving for more considering the current situation”.
Now, the blessed month of Ramadan is near, and it is quite unfortunate that people who are struggling to provide for their families on regular days, would be fasting for prolonged hours yet not having enough to feed for Iftar.
Perhaps, this is a moment for everyone of us to take heed and do whatever is suitable, while remaining under the umbrella of our capacity, to reach out to these people and let them celebrate these moments that we priviledged ones often take it for granted.