“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Gurdev Kaur Dhaliwal, a venerable woman of 98-years-old residing in Punjab’s Moga city is a true inspiration of resolute determination. She wakes up at early bright every day, offers her prayers and joins her sewing machine by 8 o’clock and resides to a commendable task of stitching masks for indigents until four every afternoon.
She uses an antique sewing machine which is almost 83-years-old imported by her in-laws from Singapore after her wedding.
Original receipt from the Singer Sewing Machine Company, Inc., Kuala Lumpur, 1937; Credits- Dhaliwal Family via un.org
Ms Gurdev has also been featured in BBC Punjab and UN Chronicles. She said, “For the last 25 years, I am almost blind in one eye, but with the Grace of God, I can see very well with the other. I am compassionate about helping others and never am fatigued as long as it’s for a good cause. My hands never get tired. I want to help.”
She demonstrates splendid strength and stoically maintains her stamina while crafting almost 100 masks a day. The masks are distributed among vegetable sellers, poor labourers and needy people.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the use of facial coverings and sanitizers is among the most manageable ways to lessen the risk of incurring and spreading the virus.
Gurdev Kaur Dhaliwal stitching masks at her home; Credits- Jammu Links News
The nonagenarian is helped by her daughter-in-law throughout the day. Amarjit Kaur said, “Several vegetable sellers in our area were not wearing masks. We told them to wear it to protect themselves from coronavirus but they said they could not afford it. Then we decided to stitch masks and give it to them free of cost,” Ms Dhaliwal’s daughter-in-law told PTI.
Punjab’s Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh applauded the efforts of the elderly woman and called her the “strongest corona worker” from Punjab. He tweeted,
The strongest Corona Warrior of Punjab is 98-year-old Gurdev Kaur from Moga who with her family is stitching masks for Punjab. Such selfless dedication of Punjabis is proof of how strong we are & that we will overcome any challenge which comes our way. Thank you@BBCPunjabi pic.twitter.com/poNOZ3fuQe
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) April 21, 2020
Ms Dhaliwal says, “I want everyone to be safe during the pandemic and be able to take care of themselves in these difficult times. I’m trying my best to do as much charity work as possible, and will continue to make masks for those who are going around without them.”
This woman who will be 100 in two years is a true inspiration of ascertainment and eagerness to help those in need. She proves that it is all about a strong will power rather than the physical aptitude.
By far, India has registered more than 11 lakh cases with 28 thousand plus fatalities across the country and in this scenario, everybody must help themselves and lend a helping hand to those who are in indigence.
[zombify_post]
