A landmark sweet shop gave rosogollas and sherbet to labourers.
A social welfare organisation gave soft drinks, snacks and gifts to porters at Howrah and Sealdah stations.
The heatwave has forced people into the confines of four walls. But many also have to step out and toil hard to earn a livelihood under this unforgiving sun.
On International Labour Day, their work was recognised across the city.
KC Das, the sweet shop synonymous with Esplanade, welcomed over 100 such people throughout the day. They included mutias (porters), rickshaw-van pullers, bus drivers, conductors and delivery personnel who work for e-commerce companies.
Each one of them got a handi of 10 rosogollas and a glass of lemonade.
“The heat is becoming unbearable. We have been providing our staff with glucose water every day. I thought we should do something for other people who are toiling outside. We are known for rosogolla, which is an instant source of carbohydrate and energy. So, the choice of the sweet to be given was a no-brainer,” said Dhiman Das, director of KC Das.
His great great grandfather Nobin Chandra is credited as the inventor of rosogolla. The Esplanade shop, bearing the name of Nobin Chandra’s son Krishna Chandra Das, was opened in 1935 by Krishna Chandra’s son, Sarada Charan.
The volunteers of a charitable organisation, IHA Foundation, visited Howrah and Sealdah stations, Burrabazar and several other places in the city on Wednesday. They met porters, mutias, masons, security guards and domestic workers. The workers were given soft drinks, cakes, cookies and utility gifts like bags and water bottles.
Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, chairman of the IHA Foundation, said: “They are the driving forces of our lives. But they go unnoticed. Our drive is a humble effort to recognise the contribution of these heroes.”
The volunteers of the foundation have been on the city’s roads for close to a fortnight, distributing glucose water packs and towels to pedestrians, motorists, cops and many others.
The drive has covered Rashbehari Avenue, Tollygunge, Hazra, Chowringhee, Park Street, Golpark, Park Circus, Moulali, Shyambazar and Girish Park, among other places across the city.
“Our goal is to provide immediate relief and support to the individuals who are vulnerable to the adverse effects of the heatwave. We are working diligently to reach as many individuals as possible. We are collaborating with local organisations, community leaders and volunteers,” Ahluwalia said.