NEW DELHI: Indian
football
team's striker
Jeje Lalpekhlua
has come to the rescue of people in dire need of blood when it is not readily available in
Mizoram due to the extraordinary situation arising out of the
COVID-19
pandemic.
India is under a three-week lockdown enforced to contain the novel
coronavirus and given the current situation, it is set for a two-week extension.
"Due to the lockdown, blood units are not readily available nowadays. So the hospital connected with the
Young Mizo Association
(YMA) seeking help. The news reached me and I knew immediately what I needed to do," the 29-year-old stated. "You cannot keep quiet and sit idle during such circumstances."
Jeje immediately rushed to the Synod Hospital in Durtlang, Mizoram, to donate blood.
"Upon receiving the information, we chalked out our plan. We headed to the hospital from the Durtlang branch of YMA. Out of 33 who had reported, 27 were deemed fit to donate," Jeje informed.
"It's not about me or someone else, it's about the human race that needs to fight together now, more than ever."
The Young Mizo Association (YMA) is the largest non-governmental voluntary organisation that operates primarily in Mizoram and some parts of the other north-eastern states as well.
"It is so satisfying that I have been able to play a minor role. I thank the Almighty for giving me the strength."
This is not the first time that Jeje has been involved in philanthropic activities. He has time and again helped the cause in Mizoram whenever the situation has demanded.
"Someone had to stand by them. If a hospital is falling short of blood units, we need to help. We all need to play our part during the crisis. The most difficult part, I understand, is to stay at home. But it's very necessary. The longer we stay at home, the faster will India heal."
Jeje, who last played for India in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, was summoned for the national camp for the World Cup qualifier against Qatar, which was postponed.
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