When a Vadodara city women police team reached Vandematram society's second-floor apartment in Alkapuri to check on senior citizens living by themselves in lockdown, they were in for a pleasant surprise. They rang the doorbell, thinking the lone occupant, Prabhaben Bavishi, might require some essentials. Contrary to their expectations, they left refreshed and with a much-needed dose of positivity and another example of communal harmony.
Supported by her Muslim neighbours, nonagenarian wholeheartedly welcomed the team and matched garba steps on wedding tunes over a cuppa. “Neighbouring family of Iqbalbhai always have made sure that I do not run out of supplies. It's been years, I tie Rakhi to Iqbalbhai. They are taking care of me like own family members'', Bavishi told the police.
Even before lockdown, she never had to step outside to get groceries or other things. Iqbalbhai has always made sure to take care of her, and more so during the coronavirus pandemic. For the police, it was another exemplary instance of people of different faiths standing by each other in general and especially during a crisis.
There was no request put across by Bavishi. Instead, her natural reaction was, “Forget coronavirus and pandemic. I have two bags full of milk. Let's have tea.'' It was unlike any reception the police usually get when knocking the doors. The police came to know that her roots are in Africa, and after the demise of her husband 20 years back, she decided to live by herself instead of joining son Shahikant and daughter-in-law Varshaben at London home.
Bavishi did not want to leave India. So her son Shashikant makes sure that the family spends quality time together during their annual three-months long visits back home. Bavishi shared that her daughter-in-law is Harrow Asian Women President and proud of her social services at disability center and Kiran Talking Center, where she reads out news and other articles to visually challenged.
Bavishi lifted spirits of women in khakhi through the narration of her experience with law and jail. Once when a thief tried to snatch her bag away, she fought back and got him arrested. But at the same time Bavishi, paid him a visit to Vadodara jail.
