“My family and my team have been the biggest pillar of strengths”

Shadaab Shabbir Patel with his dad Shabbir Noor Mohammed Patel

"I think everyone should give back to society and do their bit," says Dubai-based businessman Shadaab Shabbir Patel of his biggest lockdown learning. In fact, he also applied the same and helped numerous people during the pandemic that continues to devastate lives across the globe. In this interview with mid-day, he opens up about his fight to help people during the on-going Covid-19 pandemic and wishes that the world becomes a better place to live in with equality and peace.

I've been thinking a lot and I beWhat has been your biggest learning from the pandemic?

I've been thinking a lot and I believe when we come out of this, the biggest learning that all of us will learn is equality. This situation has shown us that, regardless of our religion, culture, customs, whether we are poor or rich, we are all the same This coronavirus simply does not choose. I believe it has connected us in a way. It has shown us that we should all stick together. During this chaos, while many of us are in panic, it showed us the weight of humanity. It reminded us who we are. Maybe the world will finally change. We do not live without relationships and we should never forget that. We have a very caring and shared connection between us and it's amazing to see how we stick together at times. It has also taught us to remember how important kindness is. We need to remember that we have been given a gift called life and that we should appreciate it.

Shadaab Patel with his daughters Muskaan, Neymat and Raiqa

When was it that you first decided that you want to help the distressed out during the pandemic?

My activities do not need a shoutout. I have been carrying out social activities for more than a decade. The lower middle segment has been affected the most, as needless to say they cannot come down and stand in a line and take tokens for ration and or help. I have my focus on them too. Nobody in the world expected this kind of scenario.

You have been helping the needy for almost a year now. What keeps you going through this tough time?

Change is an inevitable part of life and there are many aspects that an individual cannot control. You can't control the spread of a virus, or for example, the pace of social change, or how the economy behaves. While it can be tough to acknowledge, railing against events or circumstances outside your control will only drain you of energy and leave you feeling anxious and hopeless.

On the other hand, accepting your situation can free you up to devote your energy to the things that you do have control over and obviously do your very in winning over it, I have the mindset to remove and eradicate the problems. I daily come up with ideas and try my bit to implement them in an affluent manner. I do try my bit with full throttle always.

Where did you get the strength to carry out this massive task?

My father Mr. Shabbir Noor Mohammed Patel and Mrs. Shehnaz Shabbir patel are my strongest pillar in carrying out this massive task. Wherever there is an obstacle that I face, he has always helped me out in finding ways because of his sharp mind. My daughters Muskaan, Neymat, and Raiqa have always been my base pillars in carrying out proper management and precautions during distribution in the pandemic. Then my team Sayed Arshad Ali, Kavita Borade, Shehzad, Sonu, to name a few have always followed the initiative, risked their lives, and have reached remote places and have distributed ration and food wherever it was required.

What has been the most special gift or comment you've received from the people you helped?

A sketch artist came and told me, ‘Sir here basic needs cannot be handled. Where will people come to make sketches and portraits?' He had a family of six people in his house. I did my best for him. I met his daughters, who also required some assistance for online education. By the grace of almighty and his will was able to do all whatever he had in his mind. The next day he came up with a six feet portrait sketch of mine. I told him it's not required, but he gave it with a lot of love and affection. It is the best gift I have received and I have preserved it.

You have often been known to help the needy. Does it sometimes become stressful to live up to the expectations?

When the almighty wills there is nothing that can be stressful. Please remember this precious quote: "Nobody has ever become poor by giving." I try to find joy in ordinary and simple things.

This pandemic shall be history too, very soon.

Rupal S