Bhaichung Bhutia opens his doors for migrant workers in Gangtok

NEW DELHI: At a time when thousands of migrant workers around the country are struggling to make ends meet and have no shelter due to the 21 day lockdown, former Indian football captain and one of the biggest sports stars India has produced, Bhaichung Bhutia has come forward to help.
Bhaichung has offered shelter to migrant workers in Sikkim, who mostly hail from Bihar and West Bengal at his new building in Lumsey, Tadong in Gangtok.About 100 people can be provided shelter in the building.
Talking to TimesofIndia.com, Bhutia said, "I've got a new unfinished building of four and a half floors in Gangtok (Lumsey, Tadong). I am offering shelter to migrant workers in Gangtok who don't have any shelter and have nowhere to go. I am hoping this will encourage others in the country to do the same and help migrant workers in these difficult times."
Ten such workers are already staying on the premises and Bhaichung has also ensured that they get food supplies from local shops. He has also appealed for others in the area and the government of Sikkim to help with food and other supplies, once more and more workers turn up, seeking shelter. The former India captain is also working with local authorities to spread the word and help as many migrant workers as possible and to arrange medical services.
Bhaichung has also appealed to people across the country, who have empty spaces of their own, to come forward and offer them as shelter homes for migrant workers.

Due to the lockdown there is a mass exodus of such workers, who are trying to get back to their homes in rural areas across the country, since they are not finding any work or livelihood in places they were earlier working in. Thousands of unsalaried workers, who are dependant on daily wages are trying to make their way back to their villages after losing their livelihoods in urban areas. At a time when there is a deadly pandemic raging through the world, the health risks of so many people in close proximity are immense.
Bhaichung, who is in touch with government authorities to make sure as many migrant workers as possible are helped in these unprecedented times, also praised the government of Sikkim for taking all the right steps in the battle against the deadly coronavirus pandemic. So far the state hasn't had a single positive case of the virus. Bhaichung is hoping that the government of Sikkim also comes forward to help the migrant workers who are stuck in the state, with no shelter, no food and nowhere to go, since the borders are shut.
The 43-year-old, has also taken the help of the United Sikkim football club, which he is a co-owner of in this endeavour. He also posted a message on Facebook, with contact details. People who have migrant workers in their neighbourhoods and who see the message can come forward and spread the word, so that people looking for shelter are directed towards Bhaichung's building in Gangtok.
"I feel strongly for the migrant workers who hope to reach their homes to survive coronavirus and the nationwide lockdown. The mass exodus of migrant workers pouring out to attempt strenuous treks to their home is not only a violation of the curfew but is also a danger to their lives. I and United Sikkim Football Club would like to offer shelter to those in need in my building in Lumsey, Tadong. Kindly get in touch with me on Facebook or call our Senior manager USFC, Mr Arjun Rai phn. 9434117465 for any help regarding this issue." Bhaichung's message read.

At a time when the world has come to a grinding halt, athletes the world over are stepping forward to help in any way they can. Bhaichung's efforts to try and help those who need help the most in these trying times could well encourage many others to step forward and turn this into a nation-wide social initiative.