A mushroom farmer in India is being hailed a hero on Twitter, he bought plane tickets for his employees who are migrant workers from Bihar.
Twitter users are praising the employer for the thoughtful gesture and sharing news reports about Pappan Singh, who reportedly said: "I could not have taken a risk by allowing my workers to walk thousands of miles as it would have put their lives in danger because we are getting to know these days that migrants meet road accidents while going home.”
Tweep @faizankhurshids tweeted: “Not all heroes wear capes.”
Reportedly, Pappan initially made several attempts to book their seats on a Shramik Special train, arranged by the Indian government to ferry migrants back to their villages. However, like many others, Pappan’s workers also could not get a seat.
So, he went ahead and booked tickets worth Rs68,000 (Dh3,299) and reportedly gave each one Rs3,000 (Dh145) in cash, so they don't face any problems when they reach their home state.
The employer also completed all their medical formalities, in accordance with the requirements specified, so they have a smooth journey home. "Medical fitness certificates have been issued by authorities to all 10 workers, and they are fit to travel in a plane," he said, according to news reports.
Tweep @Jaganmo05121164: “We need more such benevolent people combining business with compassion.”
“I never imagined in my life that I will be travelling in a plane. I don't have words to express my happiness,” said Lakhinder Ram, one of the migrant workers who has been working for Pappan for 27 years. He reached the Indira Gandhi International Airport to board the 6am flight to Patna along with his son, Naveen Ram, who also has been working for eight years in Pappan's field.
Reportedly, Pappan even dropped the workers off at the airport in his vehicle, while following social distancing rules.
Tweep @alvntom posted: “This farmer from Tigipur village is helping rewrite the migrant narrative, so far about unpaid dues, hunger and arduous journeys home...”
Reportedly, Lakhinder, 50, said the farmer has been taking care of their food and accommodation since the lockdown began on March 25.
According to a PTI report Pappan said that he had been doing mushroom farming since 1993, which has a season between August and March.
Reportedly, with lack of efforts from the country’s government, in addressing the migrant’s situation, communities and citizens across India are coming forward to help migrant workers in small ways possible, to help them return to their villages. Some have arranged for food and water on the routes taken by migrant workers and others are donating clothes and shoes. A few tweeps have even tweeted to airlines for reduced fares, offering to pool in and buy tickets for labourers.
Meanwhile, using hashtags such as #BringMigrantsHome, they continue to raise pleas to the government and lawmakers, to pay attention to the situation.
