HOW THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA WAS HARNESSED TO SAVE LIVES
Actor Bhumi Pednekar, who has been actively helping out the Covid patients, writes exclusively for HT City about her experience
Ihave always believed that evolution of mankind to reach a digital world can’t be detrimental to us or our planet. How can a tool as strong as social media be negative, when it actually has the power to bring about change and growth through its reach among millions? It’s the most connected that humanity has ever been in history. And we’d be fools if we don’t use this medium to our benefit.
Even in my past initiatives – the biggest one of which so far is Climate Warrior – I used my social media platforms for advocacy on climate change and its adverse effect. And with it I’ve come to realise that my biggest resource today is ‘the connect’ that I’ve through my social media. It’s my own personal war room in our fight against Covid-19. It has con
me to the most wonderful people, who on my single tweet jumped in to help, educated me, raised funds and assisted people in need to reach out to us from the remotest parts of the country.
It helped me create a community of over 350 volunteers – all in a few weeks – who selflessly want to serve humanity. It has been one of my most empowering and humbling experiences and has awakened my faith in humanity again.
It all started with the horror my family and I went through, when we all contracted the virus. What made it tougher was my mother’s hospitalisation. From that first call where we were told we need to admit her, to arranging plasma and all the frenzy that came with it, it wasn’t easy – even with all the help I had. I was fortunate that I had people who came out and guided me through this. But how many would be as lucky? They don’t have the soft power or privilege that I have earned through my work.
I had to give back. I realised it’s time to get out there. My social media handles became my battle ground and biggest support to provide relief to people in need. I started by going through my direct messages (DMS) and shared one plasma request – not knowing if it’d work. I didn’t have to wait long and had a message saying the patient found a donor and that’s how it started. Within minutes my DMS were full of requests, with people tagging me for potential leads.
Later, I connected with likeminded influencers doing the same work in their respective cities. The next day it went from plasma and medication to beds, oxygen cylinders, ambulances, breast milk donors and many critical SOS calls.
From my one social media platform, it progressed to creating 11 different groups on a messaging app, that now work pan India with volunteers working 24/7 to help people. When people reach out to us, we amplify the requests, while also working on the individual cases and making sure they get the help they need. Many good Samaritans join in and send us leads and extend help. It’s this synchronised energy and network of people, connected through the internet and exchanging information, which has actually made this relief effort possible.
I’ve never ever felt this connected with humanity, never felt this protected, supported and loved. I’ve never felt this empowered and courageous.