For Those Who Wear The Brand
Global Aid Projects

In the heart of Punjab, India, 25-year-old Pooja Kumari's story is one of unyielding resilience. Faridkot, a town where she battles daily to survive, is not just her home; it's the backdrop of her relentless struggle against poverty. Living in a makeshift shelter devoid of electricity and sanitation, Pooja's reality is harsh. Clean water, hygienic food, and safe toilets ~ essentials many take for granted ~ are luxuries beyond her reach, leaving her and her family vulnerable to diseases like diarrhea, dengue, and scabies.



As a laborer, Pooja's work is sporadic, making it difficult to provide for her family. The unpredictability of her income means some days they go often to bed hungry. Together with her husband, she bears the weight of their family's survival on her frail shoulders, their earnings barely covering the most basic needs, let alone unexpected medical expenses. The harsh climate and unsanitary conditions only add to their woes, exposing them to further illness and hardship.







When Pooja was diagnosed with anemia and leucorrhoea, she was already weakened, and soon after, her husband fell ill with pneumonia, rendering him unable to work. The family plunged into a financial crisis, teetering on the brink of despair. Just when it seemed they were out of options, a lifeline appeared in the form of community support. Local Sikh Gurudwaras extended a hand, offering meals from their free community kitchen, a gesture that brought not just sustenance but also hope.

This powerful act of solidarity from the Gurudwaras was more than just a meal; it was a reminder that even in the darkest times, the strength of community can light the way. Pooja and her husband were not alone, and this support eased the heavy burden they carried, allowing them to breathe a little easier, free from the immediate fear of hunger.



But the support didn't stop there. We, too, stepped in to assist Pooja, providing her with essential food supplies ~ wheat flour, rice, cooking oils ~ that will sustain her family for the next two months. We also supplied a year's worth of personal hygiene products and essential medicines, ensuring that Pooja can focus on recovery and caring for her family without the constant worry of where their next meal or medication will come from.





Pooja's journey is far from over. She faces many more challenges, but she now carries with her the knowledge that she is not alone in this fight. Her story is one of perseverance, a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and overcome. Despite the odds, Pooja dares to dream of a better future ~ a future where her children are educated, her family is healthy, and her life is secure.



In Pooja's tale, we find not just a story of survival, but a beacon of hope and strength, a reminder that in unity, there is power.