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The 2nd wave of COVID-19 was one of the most devastating phases of national emergency that we have seen. The rapid multiplication of cases soon overwhelmed and crumbled the health infrastructure in Mumbai and its suburb Thane. During such challenging times, Dr. Nikita Kothari - Principal of Arunodaya Public School, relentlessly worked to help fellow citizens get the necessary help to stay safe and protected.
Social Outreach during 2nd wave of the COVID-19
In times of such crisis, without worrying about her own health and safety, Dr. Kothari stepped out to help her fellow citizens. She joined hands with an NGO and ensured that people who were suffering from severe infections and needed medical help and hospitalization got it in time. She also coordinated the availability of medical supplies, oxygen cylinders, and hospital beds during the 2nd wave of the pandemic, when all three things were in short supply nationally. Her effort to ensure that medical help required by fellow citizens was available in time has saved many lives in the city.
Food Distribution Drive
When lockdown and COVID-19 restrictions extended further due to the 2nd wave, several people at the bottom of the economic pyramid lost their jobs and livelihood. During April-May 2021, Dr. Kothari got several SOS calls highlighting the plight of these marginalized sections of society and decided to do something about it. She along with the help of an NGO decided to hold regular food distribution drives in and around the areas of her school. She distributed food supplies, dry rations, and daily necessities to poor families to ensure they didn’t have to go hungry during those tough times.
Emotional and Mental Support to Students
While fulfilling her duties towards society and fellow citizens, she didn’t forget her students. Being surrounded by negative news and the atmosphere of gloom was having an adverse impact on the mental health of the students. This was further aggravated by uncertainty about their studies, exams, and future in general. Looking at the rapidly deteriorating mental health of the students, Dr. Kothari decided to hold online sessions and webinars to help students evolve a positive mindset during the pandemic.
Click Here to Watch Dr. Kothari’s Video Session
She also motivated students to not suppress their feeling and emotions and instead reach out to her in case they were feeling down or anxious. To ensure that students also had some professional help, she also invited experts and counselors to hold sessions on mental well-being and how students can keep a positive outlook and continue to work on their studies.
The Zeal – Virtual Annual Day Event
To bring back a feeling of normalcy and ensure that students get a way to express themselves creatively, Dr. Nikita Kothari and her team at Arunodaya Public School held ‘Tarang - The Zeal’ – A Virtual Annual Day Event. To give the students a feeling of being back in the school and participating in the regular curricular and co-curricular activities, Dr. Kothari planned a virtual event similar to an on-campus event.
The event had students of different classes participate virtually in various activities like a musical orchestra, mesmerizing classical dance performance, virtual Yoga workshop conducted by the students, and Martial Arts and Self-Defence sessions. The students also put up a drama on the theme ‘All the world’s a stage, which stimulated the imagination & creativity of their peers. Another group of students also put up a short skit depicting life before the COVID-19 pandemic and what the New Normal will look like in the coming months.
Dr. Nikita Kothari is a finalist for the Outstanding Educational Leader Award Because… during the 2nd wave of the pandemic, she not only ensured the mental and emotional wellbeing of her students but also stepped out to assist her fellow citizens in getting the necessary medical help and COVID-19 assistance that proved to be a lifesaver for many.
To Reach the Information Dossier Shared by Dr. Nikita Kothari Click Here.