Since the outbreak of this pandemic the doctors and medical professionals have volunteered themselves beyond their duties and responsibilities. Caritas India on National Doctor’s Day hosted the webinar on “Volunteering in New Normal”. This webinar was hosted marking the importance of the front-line warriors during this corona pandemic and as an encouragement to its viewers to join in as Caritas Volunteers.

As social beings, being connected to each other comes as a first requirement to exist socially. Although volunteering has existed from time immemorial, beginning from World War II wherein people began to reach out to war victims and survivors. The field of nursing was also a result of volunteering during the second world war. While COVID-19 has self-isolated billions of people, it has prompted millions to volunteer in many innovative ways. Despite coronavirus, the fire of volunteering has not extinguished within. Volunteering for others have continued as people have found new ways and methods of reaching out and contribute their time and skill.

Sr. Dr Beena Madhavath UMI, Assistant Director &Consultant Gynecologist Holy Family Hospital Bandra Mumbai and Mrs Mercy John Principal, College of Nursing, Christian Hospital, Bissamcuttack shared their first-hand experiences of battling COVID as medical professionals. Sr. Dr Beena shared the struggles as a doctor she faced while working for long hours to treat COVID affected patients like donning the PPE kits for long hours and own team members being affected with COVID. Mrs Mercy John drew light upon institutional preparation to face the pandemic as training the staff; formation of task force; installing hand washing facilities; monitoring physical distancing etc.

“Volunteering is to build a Caring, Compassionate and Cohesive community” shared Mr Nixon while reinstating that volunteering is a behaviour which cannot be stopped due to crisis. He explained how corporate sector and civil societies can collaborate and work using volunteering as a mediator between both the sectors.

Mr Arun through his sharing highlighted the challenges faced by the volunteering sector wherein he stated that 70% of the volunteering is done through un-organised sector. Considering the new normal of volunteering especially during the coming days, he emphasised on the aspect of blended volunteering which was a mix of virtual volunteering during lockdown and going to the field to volunteer during relaxation.

The webinar concluded with Ms Mungreiphy Shimray, Manager, Strategic Planning & Implementation summarizing the key points shared by the speakers and encouraging the participants to join as volunteers and continue to contribute nation building through their skills, talents and expertise.