Amidst the national distress event managers proudly known to provide quick solutions with limited resources have proactively stepped up to support humanity. The event community took charge and came to the forefront by providing help and assistance to the people with their genuine and planned efforts.
Looking at the scenario, EEMA, the apex body for events in the country, led to the formation of the 2nd Wave Covid Taskforce. This formed the backend support of the operations and comprised of zonal teams executing them at the forefront. Under this umbrella, teams took charge of certain initiatives and executed them with full potential. The initiates undertaken are as follows:
Management of Saint Nirankari Covid facility Burari &Rakabganj Gurdwara
All efforts begun with the management of the Delhi Govt. approved of EEMA’s support to provide volunteers and staff for management of the Sant Nirankari Covid Facility, Burari and Rakab Ganj Gurudwara. This effort has been quite applauded and appreciated. , Hon. Health Minister, Shri Satyendra Jain, also visited the facility and appreciated the efforts.
24 hour oxygen support helpline
The healthcare system has been really challenged strongly. To cater to the need of the hour the members in the community created 24 hour Oxygen helpline. It provided real-time updates on oxygen availability in Delhi NCR along with addresses twice a day. Due to the overwhelming demand many oxygen suppliers and suppliers had switched off their phones or were not able to reply, which is the reason why this was set up in the first place. As a result over 5000 distressed callers have been helped so far.
Partnership with Apollo 24*7
This partnership really paid off well as it provided priority doctor consultation and 15% discount on medicines. It turned out beneficial for people who were infected and recovering at home. Daily doctor consultation helped them with their status check and them to their road to recovery.
Launch of the CoviHeal Covid Facility, Gurugram
Initiation of this project has been among the biggest efforts taken to help masses. This is a field hospital brought into action by renowned doctors, medical practitioners and supported by EEMA. It caters to 45 patients currently with mild and moderate Covid symptoms. The place is equipped with oxygen concentrators, PPE medical kits and other essential requirements. Senior doctors and trained medical experts are also part of the facility.
Mental wellness
Helping people managing the mental well-being in these times is quite important. People are surrounded with negativity and live sessions with motivational speakers and doctors have provided them with positivity and a stronger attitude.
Other Zonal Initiatives
Apart from the key initiatives undertaken, there have been plenty of other initiatives that have made difference. They include blood donation camps, wellness webinars, doctor consultations, and more. EEMA members tied up with hospitals to generate beds for the people in the event fraternity and also for the ones in need. Video titled #MaskPodu, highlighting the awareness of wearing masks was also circulated. It attracted a lot of popularity and was also shared by various celebrities. It can be viewed here: https://fb.watch/5sFgSn8wqm/
Despite not being labelled as a major segment in India their efforts have yielded results for the masses. Event management is a focused effort. It comes as a result of commitment to excellence intelligent and planning. But, these Covid times have literally brought down fall for this entire industry a community which caught everyone’s eye for growing at a double digit now seek Govt.’s support while trying to manage with the available resources. EEMA recently filed a petition to the government seeking for urgent steps to help them sustain in business as there have been hardly any business and hardly any revenues.
Roshan Abbas, President, EEMA, said, “We believe the Event Management community is best at crisis management, planning, innovation and execution. While our work is suffering and in our dialogues with the Govt. representatives, we have shared this multiple times that our sector needs strong support for nearly 10 million people who are suffering a lot. Yet we have decided that the nation needs us and so with our efforts we shall aim to serve humanity. The above mentioned initiatives, brought event people on the forefront showcasing them and how they have served the needy in such times. I thank everyone for their innumerable dedication and support.” I have received numerous calls applauding our effort. The event management community has shown what it is capable of.”
Siddhartha Chaturvedi, General Secretary EEMA, said, "These have been extremely testing times for all of us. EEMA with its strong member support has proven its metal. Where the Govt. lacked in certain areas, our members came forward as volunteers and supported them with all heart and soul. I salute each and every Covid warrior who has stood for the need of others than their own.” He also added, “The event community is at an all-time low. We request the government to empathize with us now atleast, if the first wave meant no business for us for a year, the second wave has washed all our hopes for this year as well. Request the government to hear our pleas and help us with direct monetary support to keep the jobs and this industry afloat.”
Deepak Pawar, Secretary, EEMA said, “Humanity is what kept us alive in this pandemic that brought us immense losses. The zeal within us to make a difference has helped us reach out & cater to the masses during this deadly second wave. I salute all the covid warriors for physically, monetarily & emotionally contributing towards organizing oxygen support, arranging hospital beds, medicines, food & emotional support. Words can’t express our gratitude and we thank you for being a part of the event fraternity.”