Well known social worker and Gen secretary of Dadasaheb Phalke Film Foundation, Chairman of Swachch Bharat Abhiyan Maharashtra , Founder and Chairman of Hind Foundation, Dr Abdul Rehman Vanoo has unfortunately left for heavenly abode on April 27. Rehman, who helped many people during the pandemic, passed away due to COVID-19.
Rehman had gone on a family trip to Goa and after a few days fell sick and suffered cough and fever. A source revealed how his antigen test was negative and he continued having kada. The source said, “From April 12 we started COVID-19 treatment and Dr Vandana was treating him. His oxygen levels were low and after trying to get a bed in different hospitals, finally Rehman got admitted to a hospital in Wadala. His condition did not improve and was stable till April 26. Finally, on April 27 around 3.35 am, Dr Rehman passed away after the doctors put him on a ventilator. It was sad and tragic. Prayers for him and the entire family.”
Dr Vanoo had helped the Mumbai Police and provided them with essentials during the lockdown. The Mumbai Police had set up a quarantine centre in Kalina, Santacruz and Dr Vanoo helped in providing many services to them. Borivali, Dharavi and many other areas have been provided with daily essentials by Dr Vanoo’s organisation. He said in an earlier interview, “Many people lost their jobs and we decided to give them work and food. And this was not only restricted to Mumbai. We provided these facilities and daily essentials to Delhi, Pune and many other cities in India. We also researched on how people deal with mental health during the lockdown. And in addition, we also continue to maintain healthcare facilities and provide jobs to daily wage workers. The government is also giving us good support.”
The daily wage workers of Dadasaheb Foundation were also badly affected. Dr Vanoo had said, “We took a huge list of addresses of these workers and provided them with food, daily essentials, groceries and medical support to the entire staff. Nalasopara, Mira Road and many other areas, we transported daily essential services. Since we were working with Mumbai Police, we had a pass to travel to different areas and therefore, a big thanks to the Police department, since we could use this pass in helping others.”
In addition, Dr Vanoo was also working towards uplifting and upgrading the skills of technicians. He had said in an earlier interview, “Most of these workers have come to the city to earn their daily bread. They are not educated. So, we motivate them to study further and make them self-reliant. We also encourage them to learn special skills, which in turn would help them in the filmmaking process. I feel this is important for the people of our country and the film industry.”
Dr Abdul Rehman’s passing away is a serious loss to humanity.
