Devendra Kumar’s 1,400km Journey of Friendship

By Subaashinee Kupusamy,

18 SEPTEMBER: When his childhood friend, Rajan Kumar Singh, fell seriously ill with COVID-19 and needed oxygen, Devendra Kumar Rai, 34, showed incredible resolve. Living miles away in Varanasi, India, Devendra learned that Rajan could not refill his oxygen cylinder in the midst of a national crisis. Without hesitation, Devendra decided to take matters into his own hands.

After securing oxygen cylinders, Devendra embarked on a gruelling 1,400km journey from Lucknow, driving nonstop for 18 hours. Despite the challenges of exhaustion and navigating through India’s strict lockdown, he arrived just in time, as Rajan had only 15 minutes of oxygen left. His act of bravery saved his friend’s life.

But Devendra’s commitment didn’t stop there. He stayed on to care for Rajan and his pregnant wife, ensuring they were well-supported during the difficult days of recovery. This journey is a testament to true friendship, reflecting how acts of courage and selflessness can emerge in the most challenging times.

In a world facing immense hardships due to the pandemic, Devendra’s story reminds us of the power of loyalty and compassion. His dedication exemplifies how far someone is willing to go when driven by love and friendship as stated in Astro Ulagam.