Coronavirus: Former Indian cyclist provides food for migrant labourers in Hyderabad

Former Indian cyclist Maxwell Trevor, who won the national championships a whopping 11 times between 1980 and 1990, has set an example at a time when the entire world has been shaken by the havoc caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

With the government first issuing a 21-day nationwide lockdown, and then extending it by another three weeks, to contain the novel virus, has forced many migrant labourers to take to the streets. Without any work or any scope of returning home, they have been stranded on the streets.

In Hyderabad as well the situation is no better. Hundreds of labourers, with no roof above their heads, have taken to living at the railway station for shelter.

On getting to know about the scenario, Maxwell, who represented India at the 1982 and 1986 Asian Games, stepped forward to help them out by serving them two meals per day.

He first obtained permission from the district office, and then went to the camps in Secunderabad area where he served food to labourers and explained the importance of maintaining a distance between one another. There was little room for social distancing.

“It’s hard to expect one to observe social distancing when one’s hungry,” the 57-year-old former cyclist was quoted saying by Amar Ujala.

Over the past few days, Maxwell has expanded his operation to Taranak, Hubciguda, Mettaguda, Sitaphalmandi, Lallaguda, Lalpet and other surrounding areas of Secunderabad. He runs an academy in Hyderabad and his disciples have also got involved.