Ever since the pandemic has started various common persons have set glowing examples of humanity, among them is a 26-year-old Muslim girl from Uttar Pradesh who is breathing hope into the lives of people in need of oxygen.
The 26-year-old Arshi has earned the sobriquet of “cylinder waali bitiya” — the daughter with the oxygen cylinder.
Arshi as per reports, began her struggle when her father was struggling for life-saving gas. Other than nearby areas of her native in Shahjahanpur, She has been helping people in the neighboring state of Uttarakhand.
Arshi so far has refilled more than 20 cylinders perched atop her two-wheeler and delivered it to the covid patients in various areas of Uttar Pradesh. She is being helped by her brother and other family members.
A Media report, quoting Arshi said on the first day of Ramadhan, the condition of her father Mashoor, who was not keeping well, began deteriorating and her worst fears came true when he tested positive for COVID-19.
“While in-home isolation, his oxygen levels started falling and the doctor asked me to arrange an oxygen cylinder,” she said.
When Arshi approached the authorities, she was told that patients in home isolation cannot get oxygen cylinders and was advised to get my father admitted to a hospital, according to Arshi.
“Despite moving from pillar to post, I was not able to arrange a cylinder. As desperation grew, I somehow managed to get one from the office of the city magistrate,” Arshi told PTI.
“I then came in contact with a social organisation based in Uttarakhand through WhatsApp which provided oxygen for my father and he subsequently recovered from the illness,” she added.
After this incident, I realized what families of COVID patients needing oxygen must be going through, she said.
“Ever since, anyone who sought oxygen either through phone or WhatsApp was helped. I have provided oxygen to several people in Shahbad and Hardoi (UP) and Uttarakhand,” the 26-year-old said, adding that she does not charge any money.
The young woman has received many laurels for her heroic actions not only from those whom she has helped but also the state’s politicians.