The Corona pandemic has been ravaging the globe for close to 2 years now. The initial hit to India in the first wave was in the March–April 2020 period and the second wave happened in 2021. The whole world was caught unaware, and it set off an unprecedented chain of events that could neither be controlled nor foreseen.
Even during these testing times, Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla has stood like a rock in this ocean of chaos and delivered humanitarian service to all sections of society with his all-round skills and capabilities. His only motivation throughout has been to serve the motherland and in the larger cause, he was able to touch humanity all over the world and drive the message of peace and unity.
In the sudden nationwide lockdown announced in India, the entire country was caught off guard. Overnight, all markets, restaurants and industries were shuttered, and transport was frozen.
The most affected were the poor and economically weaker sections, including migrant workers, artists, persons living off alms, old-age homes and homes for the destitute and persons with special needs.
Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla could sense the turn of events when the COVID pandemic was announced. As an active humanitarian, he was moved by the state of the poor and the impact of the lockdown. The country needed service-minded individuals at various levels, and Dr. Ramesh Nath Lingutla rose to the occasion as a son of the soil.
1) People-based as in assistance in finance, food and kind
2) Pandemic-based as in creating awareness about COVID and preventing its spread
With the directions, guidance and financial support of REACH Global Foundation – for Migrant workers and people depending on daily wages (other states people too stuck in Tirupati) for 35 families – Rice, Wheat, Dhal, Turmeric powder, coocking oil, salt and mirchi – all essential commodities worth of Rs 300 per family – supplied.
Being a true patriot, Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla understood that apart from individual contributions, a team effort was required to surmount this tremendous national challenge. He was at the forefront providing active leadership, guidance at various levels, financial support, helping with procurement, governmental liaison etc. in various activities like
1) Supplying high-quality provisions and essential commodities (rice, dhal, wheat, cooking oil etc) to residents of economically deprived and vulnerable sections of society in areas like Harijanawada Golapalli, Yanadi colony, Ramapuram in Tirupati and Abhaya Shetram NGO for individuals with special needs in Renigunta.
2) Supplying fresh vegetables and essentials to needy people. Since all transport was chocked vegetables and produce could perish. Dr. Ramesh Nath avoided this monumental waste by procuring from farmers for a fair price and passing it on to the needy free of cost. Thus, he was able to help both communities to tide over the pandemic situation.
3) Providing meals to patient assistants and the poor at Tirupati Padmavathi Covid Hospital, homeless people and migrant workers stuck in various locations in Tirupati like the Alipiri Bus Stand, Lakshmipuram circle and other areas.
Migrant workers were stuck in different parts of the country without any food, transport or economic means and were in a panicky state. Families were scattered and there was fear and turmoil in people’s minds. It was a humanitarian crisis that was unfolding. Dr. Ramesh Nath Lingutla immediately stepped in and provided some financial assistance. Close liaison was made with various government departments for arrangements for the migrant workers to reach their native places safely.
Being an eminent physician, Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla was anguished by the many rumours and false myths being circulated about vaccination. Urgent action against false narratives was the need of the hour and the correct message had to reach the masses within the shortest possible time. Vaccination was the key to save lives and get the country back to normalcy and as a matter of national duty to the motherland, Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla
1) Shot many short videos in English and Telugu to educate the masses about COVID protocols, vaccination details and enhanced their reach through the medium of various NGOs. Often real-life situations and humour was used in these videos so that common people could understand the messages easily.
2) Printed and distributed thousands of pamphlets in Telugu to ensure better reach of the message on all COVID safety protocols, hygiene measures and importance of vaccination.
3) Distributed sanitisers, masks, vitamin tablets and home kits to poor residents in crowded dwelling areas like the Rickshaw colony and to the inmates of Abhaya Shetram.
Additionally, Dr.Lingutla created special videos to continue spreading a message of positivity and hope to inspire and encourage people to stay positive. He stressed the brotherhood of humanity and how we all can emerge stronger and more selfless from the same. Such message struck a chord with all sections of society and even in international circles. The videos and pamphlets also included the latest messages and updates in different areas related to COVID from the WHO (World Health Organization).
Even the on-ground staff working tirelessly needed motivation as they were sometimes overwhelmed by the demand for help. Dr. Lingutla provided emotional and psychological support by frequently interacting with them, providing letters of recognition and encouragement and financial support.
Further, in an individual capacity, he contributed to various causes like
1) Children orphaned by COVID were provided clothing and essentials and safely moved to reputed care homes.
2) Saving a pregnant mother affected with COVID. Due to his financial assistance, oxygen could be provided on time, and both the mother and child were safe.
Throughout the pandemic, Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla’s worked with surgical precision in trying to stay one step ahead of what curveballs the pandemic and its after-shocks could throw. Thanks to his foresight, passion for service and commitment, not only was a major humanitarian disaster prevented around the Tirupati area, but also young talent was groomed to handle such events.
For his selfless service, Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla was recognised in different organizational forums, media outlets and citizen forums at the regional, national and international levels. Various regional Telugu newspapers carried glowing reports, and appreciation certificates were received from international agencies, some of which are reproduced below.
All this is in addition to the good wishes and heartfelt gratitude of the thousands of lives Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla was able to touch with his various endeavours.
With new variants emerging and in these testing times, individuals like Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla continue to be Champions for the Poor, restoring our faith In humanity one act at a time.
Dr.Ramesh Nath Lingutla
M.B,B.S D.A(London), MRCA,
Tirupathi (Chittoor District), A.P, India / UK / USA
