Namit Das bats for quality education for the underprivileged during COVID-19 

On World Humanitarian Day, actor Namit Das raised the concern of education for the poor during the COVID-19 crisis. The Wake Up Sid actor has been looking after the financial requirements of his driver and house help. He said the post-lockdown phase has been stressful for them as the members of their families lost other sources of income. Namit remarked that the economic threat has posed a challenge of education among the haves-not of our society.

“Virtual learning has not boded well for many who are on the haves-not spectrum,” he said. “The fees for my driver's children could not be paid because their school is half-open and half-closed. On this account, they left for Uttar Pradesh and they are being informally tutored by a teacher in the inland.”

Namit is worried about the quality of education being imparted across inland areas. “A generation of kids will have to lose a year and 2020 might become a gap year that was not intended for many. Not having a smartphone and a tablet means no education - I find that really concerning. I'm afraid that the virus might not kill us, but perhaps poverty will if we don't support each other.”

Urging people to come forward to help those in need, he said, “If you are blessed with privileges you should try to do your bit to reduce suffering. While I have great respect for people who donate generously to causes, I think it's important to reach out to those who are in your vicinity.”