Porosh’s Work Philosophy– Arm-chair, or Hand’s-on Approach

When the news of COVID-19 started trickling-in by January-end we at Porosh did not take it too seriously. A month later we realized that the issue was far more serious than what we had even imagined. Country after country was falling prey to the virus and along with that spiraled the mortality rate. India was not spared either. Incidents of lockdown was reported from China with many other nations following suit.

In the first week of March, during our weekly review meeting, we casually discussed among ourselves, ‘What if something similar happens in India? What should Porosh do if there is a lockdown?’ A debate followed.

Some of us argued that we should start publishing blogs to sensitize our members & the larger audience about the Do’s & Don’ts to prevent being effected by COVID-19 and also share tips for life during lockdown. After all, these insights help in raising awareness among the masses to fight an unknown entity. Such an approach at the end of a day is a safe job that can be done from the corner of one’s office, or home. We term it ‘arm chair’ approach.

The other view was rather risky and hence, daring. It was contented that Porosh should prepare the blueprint of an action plan in the eventuality of a lockdown. And what was it? Reaching-out to the elderly citizens with medicine, grocery and other household essentials. Although one realized it would pose serious health hazard to the Porosh foot soldiers yet the joy & thrill of actually serving someone during the time distress underscored everything else. We call it ‘hands-on’ approach.

Thus, the team decided to opt for the second approach. After all, it was argued, how much we may write to create awareness what really makes the difference is helping those in the hour of need. It is like being in the war front. Little did we realize then that three weeks later lockdown would be reality.

Saluting the Brave hearts of Porosh - Battling COVID-19

Ever since the country-wide lock down was imposed on March 25th for 21 days, Porosh realized the time for it has come to up its ante and reach-out to as many number of senior citizens who were puzzled and confused with the sudden announcement. The concern uppermost in their minds was getting regular supply of essential household items.More than anything else they needed medicine and grocery items to be delivered at their doorsteps. Their domestic helps had stopped coming. Thus, we chalked-out an action plan and immediately posted a flyer in the Facebook signalling our availability to stand by them in the hour of crisis.

No sooner children of the aged parents who are either settled abroad, or living in different parts of the country started calling us up. What started as a trickle soon turned into a deluge. So, Team Porosh focused on the supply chain process to ensure delivery of products within 24 hours of receiving calls. This implies the team members being on their toes, braving the heat & humidity of April and working tirelessly to collect medicine & grocery items which are usually running short on supply from different kirana/departmental stores. The effort of our brave hearts was taken note of by the Kolkata Police (Lalbazar) who in turn informed its members (from Pronam) to connect with us.

However, this is not all. What has indeed been most heart-warming is the smile and sense of relief on the faces of elderly persons when they receive the essential items requisitioned for. We owe a lot to the commitment of our foot soldiers as till now none of them have complained about the quality of products being delivered. On the contrary,they are politely requesting if their friends and/or family members residing in other parts of the city can also be helped. Our response is always in the affirmative.

All said and done, kudos to Team Porosh who even without battling an eyelid, in the face of themselves contracting the highly contagious COVID-19, is working round-the-clock with a missionary zeal. One cannot help but hum the immortal Hindi film song sung by Mohd. Rafi – Har fikr ko dhuen mein uda ta chala gaya.

Looking Within – Being with Oneself

Regular readers of Porosh’s blogs are aware that we always keep on innovating insofar as our services are concerned. No wonder very recently we have added yet another component in our long list of services for serving the senior citizens. It is a breathing technique – Quality Mind Process (QMP) – which combines mind-tilling techniques adapted from Patanjali’s Yogasutras and Sri Aurobindo’s writings. QMP comprises five steps which are as follows:

a) Alternate nostril deep mindful breathing – 6/8 cycles b) Mindful breathing through both the nostrils c) Brain-stilling d) Opening-up upwards and e) Contemplating on bright luminous blue light in the cave of the heart (i.e. hridyaguha) QMP should be practised twice a day (morning & evening) for approximately 20 min respectively.

There are a number psycho-physical benefits one can gain from. Only a few of those are shared below: a) Improved concentration b) Calmness of mind c) Reduced blood pressure d) Increased alertness of mind e) A feeling of happiness