Amidst the Corona virus outbreak in Delhi, Nayla, a first year Masters student from Jamia Milia Islamia University went against all odds to reach out and help a heavily pregnant Noor Bi (19y) through her delivery who is a victim of the Delhi riots.
On Monday (16.03.2020) Nayla got to know about Noor Bi’s appeal for help through a support group on WhatsApp and volunteered to immediately reach Jag Pravesh Chandra government hospital where Noor Bi was admitted in.
Upon asking what motivated her to rush there in such drastic times, she said, “The situation was such that I could not stop myself from going out to help her despite the threat of Corona. I just went there knowing that there is a lady there who needs help and is alone.”
Noor Bi’s husband, Waaris, who is a tools mechanic was not let inside the ward where his wife was admitted in labor. When Nayla reached the hospital and met Noor Bi, she said that Noor Bi was very scared and confused and was relieved to see another woman being there for her and did not let go of her. Nayla said, “Since it was Noor Bi’s first pregnancy, she had a lot of questions, to which I unfortunately did not have answers to, as I have never been in a pregnancy ward before. This was a new experience for me. I don’t know how I did it but my presence gave her relief.”
Nayla, with the help of another student, raised INR 10,000 for the medical expenses.
When the baby was born, Waaris insisted that Nayla see the baby first. Upon asking how she felt holding the newborn, she said, “It was like a miracle holding a new life in your arms.” Noor Bi and Nayla both shared an emotional moment together.
The couple named their daughter after Nayla, and call her Choti Nayla. Nayla and her friends then distributed sweets in the ward in celebration of Choti Nayla being born.
Noor Bi and Waaris fled their home to save themselves during the North East Delhi riots. Their house has been burnt and all their livelihood has been destroyed. Since then, they have been living at their relatives place. Nayla has now taken it upon herself to help reestablish this new family.
She said, “Sometimes it’s not about what you can do, it’s about your presence”.
