The COVID-19 pandemic had devastating effects on people across the world. With rising cases, India,too, suffered from its outcome. To curb the virus, a nationwide lockdown was announced in 2020, but its affect was severe for some. During such tough times, Sood selflessly came forward to help people in need. What started as helping with distribution of food, soon shifted to relocating people, providing health and education facilities, and much more. He came to be known as the real-life hero, a messiah for his philanthropic activities, which he continues to do even today. On hiss birthday, we look back at the work done by Sood. (All Photos/ Instagram)
Updated On: 2022-07-30 07:38 AM IST
In May 2020, during the nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sood helped thousands of stranded Indian migrant workers to reach their homes by arranging buses, special trains and chartered flights for them. The actor arranged for a chartered flight in July 2020 to bring home over 1,500 Indian students who were stranded in Kyrgyzstan, flying them from Bishkek to Varanasi
On 25 July 2020, a video of a farmer's daughters ploughing a field, like bulls with a yoke on their shoulders, went viral over social media. Sood quickly sent the family a tractor.On 5 August 2020, he helped 101 medical students, predominantly from Tamil Nadu, who were stranded in Moscow during the lockdown, reach Chennai safely on a chartered flight arranged by him after they contacted his team for help
On his birthday he launched a website and app called Pravasi Rojgar to help migrant workers find suitable jobs amid the pandemic. On 19 February 2021, Sood launched an initiative 'Ilaaj India' platform to provide healthcare services for needy people. In December 2020 he published I Am No Messiah, autobiographical book, narrating his journey to become an actor, and narrating his social work during the pandemic
In 2021, Sood provided much-needed oxygen plants and cylinders for COVID-19 patients in India. Sood and Kumar Vishwas have supported the Aao Gaon Bachayein ("Save the Villages") campaign started by comic poet and satirist Pankaj Prasun
The actor also made an announcement in the field of education by introducing a full scholarship program. “Hindustan Badhega Tabhi, Jab Padhenge Sabhi! My mother Prof.Saroj Sood always believed that everyone deserves an equal chance to a healthy happy future. So launching full scholarships for students on her name Prof.Saroj Sood scholarships today for higher education. I believe, financial challenges should not stop any one from reaching their full potential. Send in your entries at scholarships@sonusood.me (in next 10 days) and we will reach out to you,” shared the actor.
People from across the country continue to come and meet the actor in Mumbai to share their problems. Some also travel to the city to meet Sood and express their gratitude for helping them in their time of need.
We wish the people's hero a very happy birthday!
