Wing Commander on a relief sortie

Satyam Kushwaha (retd) used to have a bird's-eye view of the world below him. The pilot's role is perhaps what he is reprising at a time when India and the world struggle with disheartening news about Covid-19 infections, deaths, financial crises, suffering, even unscrupulous acts of fraud on distressed people. For he is not only piloting a team assisting the Covidafflicted, but also working with the big picture of the pandemic in mind. Kushwaha's KRANTII India is a think tank founded in 2016 to strategise on nation building and safeguarding national interests. It has created resources, analytics, networks, technology, innovation and integration. For the past many months, however, the organisation has been helping Covid-hit families and has been joined by a large family of volunteers from all walks of life, be it retired IAS and defence officers or doctors, students and professors. One such noteworthy personality is Wing Commander Satyam Kushwaha (Retd), whose will and courage to help people in need during the COVID period saved the lives of many. A decorated Veteran Fighter Pilot, he served with distinction in the IAF for over 21 years, earning two awards for his pioneering contributions. Indian Air Force pilot says, without rancour or regret, that he has totally lost track of dates, days and time since he is grabbing just around four hours of sleep daily. He once went without sleep for 80 hours when the COVID crisis was at its peak in the capital and Krantii was flooded with distress calls. Separate groups have taken up responsibility for different needs, such as medicines, hospital beds, ambulance, oxygen,. The volunteers find leads, validate them, keep in touch with the attendant of the patient and try as much as possible to provide timely help. There is also an SOS team with a doctor on call and a volunteer staying live with the attendant while the required emergency service, perhaps an ambulance or oxygen support or an ICU bed, is provided. There is a follow up to check if all is well. In many cases when the affected family hasn't been able to afford hospital or medicine costs, Krantii has aided with funds. Kushwaha and his teams also distribute rations and safety kits comprising masks, sanitisers and medicines to the needy families. Krantii is looking forward to working in the villages and rural areas, where Covid cases are on the rise. In collaboration with the local bodies, the think tank is working at creating awareness, providing medical and financial aid and ensuring minimum trouble for families. The volunteers are working round the clock, while juggling time for jobs, family and personal health. Some volunteers also got infected and some suffered personal tragedies, but they have kept going, in fact, only more determined to fight the treacherous coronavirus.