The Pandemic has redefined whom we consider our Heroes. Captain America, Spiderman, Thor, James Bond, Wonder Woman and alike stand relegated and we have found the real and deserving Heroes who are actually saving the world.
Globally, millions of health care professionals are leading the fight with corona virus and this blog covers the story of Surekha Raghunath from India.
Covid Challenges:
Surekha works as a Nursing Staff at KLS Memorial Hospital, Vile Parle, Mumbai. Her Hospital attends to patients suspected for Covid. Surekha’s duty is in Covid testing ward that conducts a number of screenings each day.
In her 10 years of experience, she has never faced such severe emotions at work and hopes that a vaccine is found soon.
In a telephonic chat she explained “We wear PPE kits for hours which is quite uncomfortable. Amidst all this situation we have to maintain our mental calm while treating patients”.
About Her Commute:
Mumbai is a hotspot of Covid cases and total number of positive count has crossed 21k mark (*figure as on 19th May) therefore lockdown restrictions are strict. Public transportation is shut and that makes commuting difficult.
Surekha, walks or cycles to her workplace wearing masks and other protective gear. It takes 1 hour by walk but she reaches faster when she takes her cycle along. These days, she finds cycling safe on roads that barely has any vehicles.
Talking about her commuting experience she said “It’s risky to travel by public transport in this period of lockdown and social distancing mandate. The roads have never been so calm, hence I prefer going walking and cycling every alternate days. Both have their benefits”.
Cycling and More:
On regular days, Surekha cycles 3 to 4 times a week and likes to discover new places and make new friends.
‘Cycling’ to her is about fun and fitness, opportunity for photography. She likes adventure trails and pedals to the city outskirts especially during monsoons.
I did a rapid fire QnA with Surekha and this is what she had to say:
Which bicycle you currently use?
Scott, Kona.
Which cycling group you ride with?
West Coast Riders, Mumbai.
One place/route you regularly ride?
Gorai Beach and Worli Sea Face.
Who inspires you in cycling industry?
Rameshwori Devi (She is a former professional indoor sprint champion from Manipur, India, now works as a CID inspector).
Who’s your best cycling buddy?
Rohit, Chris (both are members of West Coast Riders, Mumbai).
Casual or Lycra, what type of clothing you prefer?
Lycra for most of the time, except commuting.
Which was your 1st cycle?
Hercules Roadeo.
Your favorite cycling quote?
“Two wheels move the soul”
In one sentence, how cycling is saving the world?
Zero Pollution.
One change you would like to see for cyclists in India?
I wish to see more cyclists on streets.
If you have a message for Surekha, write it in the ‘comment box’ and I will send it to her.
Photo credits: Rohit Shringare
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Author: Vijay Malhotra, Mumbai
Your kind words warmed my heart.. A million thanks for such beautiful words. I appreciate it..
Best wishes to miss Surekha. May you continue the good work and stay safe too. Happy cycling to work.🌈
You are welcome Surekha, this is the least I could do. Thank you for the amazing work you are doing for humanity. God bless you, stay safe.
Keep it up Surekha. Be safe. We pray for you all everyday.
God bless you Surekha for your immense passion for caring for Covid patients as much as your passion for cycling. You are one of my mentors as far as cycling goes as on my first ride with Chris n Ayesha, you and Kunal were there. Way to go!!