During the ongoing pandemic, most of the people are helping others get oxygen cylinders, a hospital bed and even sustenance rations and meals. But there are some youngsters who are trying to bring smiles on Covid patients and frontline warriors’ faces in this rough terrain by organizing free online entertainment sessions for patients, doctors and nurses and serve large dollops of shayari, songs, stories, stand-up comedy to add cheer to their lives through their group - Unboxing Arts. Started a month ago, volunteers of this endeavour have helped many positive patients and their ambit is growing steadily.

Covid-19 requires immediate isolation from the family itself. Fear engulfs you and negativity sets in, even when you are in home quarantine, said Karnika Sanjay, an MBA student and a Covid survivor. “Recently, when I had Covid, I was really frustrated staying at my hometown. I booked a slot with Unboxing Arts for a free poetry session as I knew some of the members of the group; it really perked me up during that down phase. Since I also write, I will also volunteer my services for Covid patients and medical fraternity once the health issues in my family are sorted out. Along with medicines and care, Covid patients also need a healthy dose of happiness and cheer to recoup,” said Karnika.

The endeavour that was started by Nagpur-based poet Husain Rasheed, is now spreading wings in MP. It is heartening to see that in a span of just one month this endeavour could organize six meets with Covid patients and medical fraternity and now a lot of people from MP are booking slots for their Emotional well-being - a panacea in these troubled times indeed!