Meet Mahim Samaritan, Haji Mudassar Patel
When the world is fighting an unprecedented pandemic, we have stories of kind-hearted individuals whose act of kindness touch numerous lives. And one such person is Haji Mudassar Patel, a social activist and Vice Chairman from the Minority Department of a political party in India. The Mahim Samaritan has so far distributed more than 10,000 food kits for the needy and homeless families all-over Mumbai.
“With my team, we have distributed essential food kits among the needy. It’s a much-needed step in such times,” he says. Patel and his team started distributing food for the needful at the onset of lockdown in March.
“This was done under the guidance and instructions of Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Balasaheb Thorat and Nadeem Javeed, who had instructed all workers and well-wishers to support people in these testing times by coming forward and providing support to the underprivileged and continue the legacy of our party,” he shares.
Patel is not only a social worker and Trustee of Qazi Masjid, Kapad Bazaar, Mahim, but is also connected to many educational and social institutions. Patel, along with his team, provided food kits for two square meals in areas such as Mahim, Thane, Mumbra, Malad, Malwani, Jogeshwari and Madh Island to name a few. He also points out that CM Uddhav Thackeray has been doing some great work in the state.
Patel has also appealed to everyone in his community to forego Eid celebrations this year and instead help the needy with food and money. “This is the least we can do for the needful, and I appeal to my community to help the needy with whatever money and food they can give. This will be biggest service to mankind,” says an emotional Patel.
Besides, he says that people across all religions should forego their festivals this year and step up to help the needy in our country. “It is my request to everyone to let go of our festivals this year and instead donate as much as you can and help the daily wage workers in our country,” says Patel.
Lastly, he urges corporates to step in, too. “Instead of removing your staff, you should give them the salary for six months to a year and help them in this time of crisis. We need to support our daily wage workers and the labour community who are the pillars of Mumbai,” he concludes.