The novel coronavirus that has spread around the globe has brought lives to a standstill and wreaked havoc across industries alike. The worst affected are the daily wage workers. In the fight against this pandemic, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, one of the largest Media & Entertainment networks stands in solidarity with the country and offers financial relief to the daily wage workers in the television industry. As a part of this, the Zee South Cluster has cumulatively donated a large sum of Rs. 1.35 crores to support over 1000 daily wage workers across the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala. The aid has been directly sent to their bank accounts, thus avoiding delays.
This initiative of Zee Network has come as a boon to the entire television and production ecosystem, at a time when people have needed it the most, be it for medical expenses or basic necessities. In light of shoots coming to halt, these funds have been of immense benefit to daily wage earners as it helps them to make ends meet. The workers have also expressed gratitude towards the network for easing their burden in these troubled times.
“We are truly moved by the generosity and kindness that the channel has shown us in this time of crisis. All the crew members are thankful that Zee has stood by us and treated us like family. The aid provided by the channel has helped us manage our daily expenses. My family and I will always be grateful for the help extended to us by Zee”, said Senthil, a crew member of Zee Tamil’s fiction shows Sathya and Rajamagal.
Aroor Jagadish, Producer and Director of Zee Kannada’s fiction show Jothe Jotheyali, said “It has been a difficult few weeks with the Covid-19 pandemic and Zee has been a pillar of support for us, helping us get through this time. The initiative has immensely helped reduce the financial burden on our families and we are blessed to be a part of the Zee family. With the lockdown being phased out and operations resuming, we continue to rely on the Zee Network for constant support during this crucial period.”
“It is during such difficult times that the community must rise to the occasion and take responsibility. We believe that all of us have a basic duty to give back to the society, contributing in whatever way possible to join the efforts incoming of this grave crisis. This initiative of the network to support the daily wage workers in the television industry is a testament to our commitment in supporting the people who form such a crucial part of our industry and hopefully enable them to cope with the new normal that COVID-19 has left us in”, said Siju Prabhakaran, South Cluster Head, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, Pvt. Ltd.
Ever since the pandemic struck, ZEEL has come forth to join the fight against Covid-19. Recently, through a unique digital concert in commemoration of 25 years of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, the network raised funds for GiveIndia towards those affected. Further, all of its employees were urged to donate voluntarily to the PM CARES Fund and the network matched the amount collected with its own and the total was contributed to the fund. With its belief of ‘extraordinary together,’ the network has been a responsible player in giving back to society, especially the daily wage workers who form the backbone of the industry.
