Neev - Foundation for Legal Aid

A shoulder to cry upon (Covid Response story of Adv. Mishika Singh) During the Anti CAA-NRC protests in 2019, when we were witnessing hatred and division, Adv. Mishika Singh was on the field ensuring no one’s rights were violated. When the protests took a violent turn and Delhi riots snatched Delhiites of their homes, limbs, loved ones, and peace, Mishika didn’t stop, she continued giving free legal aid and collaborated with various other organizations for relief work. Her journey of hand-holding had just begun as the already traumatized victims of the riots had to deal with covid-19 as well.  Mishika helped in getting ration kits for the survivors and found that they did not have a stove to cook, she helped a single mother of three with livelihood and realized the woman cannot leave and go out for work. Such challenges made her confront the far-reaching effect of Covid on the riots’ survivors. The Cement collective, as she calls it, started as an unorganized group trying to mobilize help of every kind from every possible corner. The state’s apathy helped to fuel sympathy among the citizens. Gradually, good people kept connecting with each other, and they were able to aid 400 riot victims, feed 200 people, and distribute blankets wrapped in warmth, meanwhile dealing with the donor fatigue. The notable part of Mishka’s story is the relief work’s transparency she maintained by sharing every detail in public. Privileged ones utilized their privileges to help the underprivileged. Mishika proudly asserts that No physical distance in solidarity was maintained in the times of social distancing.