Hands of Action get into the act of giving

Nilesh Bhosale (yellow shirt) and fellow Hands of Action volunteers distribute food kits to a Ghatkopar resident.

Former chief selector of the Mumbai U-14 and U-16 cricket teams, Nilesh Bhosale has decided to channelise his energy towards those who are economically hit by the pandemic.

Bhosale and a few friends launched the Hands of Action initiative to reach out to those who have been rendered income-less like grassroot cricket coaches, local umpires, scorers, gym instructors, backstage artists and those associated with the Marathi entertainment industry.

Bhosale undertook this project under the guidance of Aditya Thackeray, Maharashtra's environment and tourism minister.

"Looking at the number of people affected due to the pandemic, we felt there is also a humanitarian crisis along with a medical emergency. There was a need to reach out to people to give them hope and spread positivity. We had saved some money which we were to utilise when cricket coaching would resume. The cash was lying idle and we thought of utilising it to provide initial relief. As the word spread around, more people started joining in. My good friends Mohan Goyal (owner of a travel firm) and Ajay Desai (MCA-BKC Club VP) helped in a big way to provide funds for ration kits," Bhosale told mid-day.com.

Bhosale's team have so far distributed food kits, masks, sanitisers, PPE kits and four oxygen concentrators to the Wadia Hospital in Parel. The Hands of Action also provided aid in the wake of devastations caused by Cyclone Tauktae in rural Maharashtra.

"We are grateful to people who have contributed so far and made a difference to so many lives and families. Ex-India cricketer and prominent cricket coach Chandrakant Pandit and India and India and Mumbai pacer Dhawal Kulkarni have expressed their desire to contribute to relief work. We will take their help as and when required," said Bhosale.