The economic hardship induced by the lockdown has left the boatmen in Varanasi with no source of income. Their misery has been compounded with the onset of monsoon as they cannot venture into the Ganga river. The timely intervention of the Mukul Madhav Foundation (MMF), and Finolex Industries to provide them with grocery kits helped them overcome a humanitarian crisis.
MMF has collaborated with Vikas Khanna, Michelin Master Chef and Feed India Initiative to support these communities in Varanasi. For those living on the banks of the Aasi Ghat, Varanasi, tourism is the mainstay. The lockdown robbed them of their livelihood as they were not allowed to venture into the river at a time when it’s their main season before the onset of monsoon.
