DD News Arunachal Highlights Umeed’s COVID-19 Relief Efforts

 When the pandemic reached the remote regions of North-East India, the impact was immediate and deeply felt. Many families depended on daily wage labour, small local businesses, or seasonal work, all of which came to a sudden standstill during lockdowns. With transport halted and supply chains disrupted, villages across Arunachal Pradesh faced growing food insecurity. It was within this context that DD News Arunachal featured the ongoing relief efforts of Project Umeed, highlighting their work across the state in partnership with CryptoRelief and local grassroots organisations.

The coverage focused on Umeed’s large-scale distribution of dry ration kits and essential household supplies to communities that had minimal access to government relief or market access. These kits included staples such as rice, lentils, flour, oil, salt, and basic hygiene materials that could support a family for several days.

One of the strongest aspects of the initiative, as highlighted in the report, was the collaborative model behind it. Umeed worked closely with local youth groups, community leaders, and NGOs who understood the needs of their villages. Their insights helped map the most vulnerable areas, identify households that had lost income entirely, and ensure that distributions were fair and inclusive.

DD News Arunachal emphasised the logistical challenges of working in the region, from long travel distances to unpredictable terrain and limited communication networks. Yet, Umeed’s volunteers and partners continued reaching remote pockets by foot, bike, and whatever transport was safely available. Care was taken to follow health protocols while still ensuring timely delivery.

The report also highlighted the emotional impact of these efforts. Families expressed relief at receiving support at a time when uncertainty overshadowed daily life. Volunteers described these interactions as powerful reminders of why relief work must extend beyond metros and into communities often left outside the national conversation.

By featuring Umeed’s work, DD News Arunachal underscored a crucial message: even in regions geographically distant from major centres, solidarity can reach when people choose to act.