MUMBAI: Somy Ali says that the one essential life lesson that this pandemic has made us more aware of is the importance of staying close to our families, something that we have been taking for granted. The actor-turned-humanitarian, who runs an NGO No More Tears (NMT) that has been assisting and empowering “survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence”, shares her experience of dealing with problems many are coping up with and how the results been satisfying on the occasion of International Day of Families today (May 15).

“We are all products of our childhood and having said that, family for me solely means No More Tears. Every child, woman and man we rescue is my family. I believe the devastating Covid has made us realise that we have absolutely no control over our present or our future, thus definitely has cemented the significance of family life and friendship. It’s also been a huge ego kicker for many who believe that they are larger than life. I believe it has taught us as individuals that in the bigger scheme of things, we are just a drop in the ocean. None of us is specifically perfect or special,” says Somy.

Talking about her experience of helping those in need and interacting with victim families, she adds that NMT had encountered a few special cases recently. Every time it has been tough but there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

“One was a 14-year-old impregnated due to rape by her mother’s boyfriend. I could not even begin to imagine her pain (pauses). After her abortion, the first thing she said when she woke up was that she just wants to have a good meal with her mother and her aunt. It was an honour for NMT to organise that one wish for this child, to see her happy. Another special moment was when a victim told me that she’s having a baby girl and will be naming her Somy. This was perhaps the best compliment I could have ever received during my 14 years of running No More Tears. I’ve never met another ‘Somy’ so I can’t wait to meet her in September,” ends Somy wishing everyone good health and happy family life.