Since March this year, we at Varnam Malaysia have been publishing quite a bit on stories of our communities contribution during the Movement Control Order (MCO) due to the Covid-19 outbreak in Malaysia.
It was encouraging to see the many walks of people using social media platforms to share their creativity and positive vibes amidst these trying times.
Thanks to the persistent, tireless hard work and assiduity of frontliners, we have been successful in the war against this deadly disease. In line with this and in celebrating the contribution of frontliners in Malaysia who played a pivotal part in combating the COVID-19 pandemic; Thasselz Collection conceptualized a collaborative photoshoot together with Ethnic Bazaar. A very creative take we would say and we were amazed with the stories from these four amazing ladies!
Durgawathy Subramanian
Durgawathy Subramanian is an Assistant Medical Officer in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Pusat Perubatan Universiti Malaya (PPUM). Her primary role revolves around patient care in ICU and critical care management.
Being a front-liner and primarily tasked to ensure smooth respiratory tract of COVID-19 patients, exposed her to the deadly virus on a daily basis but she survived thanks to the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), supportive colleagues and the determination to eradicate the virus.
Elvina Fernandez
Elvina Fernandez is woman who wears many hats. This former Journalist and Sustainable Lifestyle Ambassador believes in walking the talk and being the change the world needs. “I am just a normal citizen wanting to help. I always believe that you don’t need to be somebody in society or a social media influencer to step up and do something.
When I saw a video of our front-liners from a local hospital using plastic garbage bags as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) gears, wrapping themselves up before they start duty to test and treat COVID-19 patients, I was horrified.
This country has given so much to me and my family, I’m a Malaysian and I needed to do something.
I made a split second decision to either work from home and re-share posts on social media or to actually be a part of the solution to the problem during these challenging times.”
Elvina joined a nationwide volunteer group on Facebook sending hospitals and health clinics face shields; she bought sponges, double sided tape, staples and started creating face shields for a government hospital near her home using her own funds.
Her efforts were paid off and soon she spearheaded a team of volunteers assisting hospital and front-liners from across the country.
Dr. Rathee Ramalinggam
Dr. Rathee Ramalinggam is a Medical Officer who served as a front-liner at the Pejabat Kesihatan Daerah (PKD) Petaling. She was primarily entrusted to screen the COVID-19 patients and refer them to the medical facilities based their condition.
Her most challenging moment in combatting the wrath of the pandemic was when the Petaling Jaya (PJ) Old Town Market was placed under the EMCO. Together with her team, she practically stayed on-site to ensure that the situation was under control. With lack of rest and an extremely demanding schedule, Rathee had her moments but it was the urgency of the situation and the love for fellow beings that truly kept her going.
“Never take anything in life for granted; family, friends, the ability to go out and socialize or even simple gestures like hugging your loved ones. Always be grateful for everything that we have been blessed with because in the blink of an eye it all can change”.
“Make sure to spend each day on earth wisely and respect and love Mother Earth. Be considerate in your living and do not rush, for what is meant for you will always be yours.” says Dr Rathee.
Lishasharween Kaur
Lishasharween believes “Being thankful for each and every blessing should be the fundamental principle of our lives. We are blessed to see a new day at dawn and end yet another well-lived day at dusk, so make sure to make it matter.
“Staying alive is one thing but making the journey worthwhile is a whole different thing; create small differences along the way, share kindness and be the reason for someone’s smile. There is nothing more fulfilling.”
Lishasharween Kaur is a Staff Nurse and was deployed to the COVID-19 ward of Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL). She also volunteered her services at the PKRC MAEPS Serdang, which served as a low quarantine centre and was a front-liner of sorts dealing with the various complications of the patients that were referred.
Unassertive, always spotting a smile and eluding a warm personality, Lisha experienced some of the most challenging moments in her career as a nurse during this period. From donning the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to dealing with sickly patient and their difficult family members, she was challenged both physically and emotionally on a daily basis, but promised herself to see it through well for the oath that she had taken and the genuine urge to care at times of need.
This photoshoot would not have been possible without the combined effort of these good people:
Saree : @thasselzcollection @sangeetha.rb
Accessories : @ethnic.bazaar.my @reubsvp
MUA : @tbrbrides
Assistant MUA : @y_artistry
Hairstylist : @dd_beauty_zone
Photographer : @levendrenraophotography
Well done Thasselz Collection and Ethnic Bazaar. Keep inspiring! And to these ladies; we are truly humbled by your dedication. You are beautiful inside out!
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