What's your toast to cheer New Year with?

LUCKNOW: As temperature drops to a chilling low, it's time to welcome New Year with warmth and happiness. On one hand, as people celebrate, there is a section of the society that will shiver and struggle to beat the cold waves.
Muzaffarnagar riots this year rendered thousands homeless and people are dying bitten by cold. Good Samaritans are busy spreading happiness and help those in need.
Maryam Siddique, a student of M A in social work has started the 'Muzaffarnagar donation drive' to help the riot hit people start their year on a good note. Through Facebook and other social networking sites, Maryam is reaching out to maximum number of people to help her in the donation drive.
Maryam said, "Often, the material donated does not reach the rightful. We hear of children dying and their daily struggle. I will make sure the donated items reach the people they are meant for."
Maryam has asked friends to volunteer for taking the items collected to Muzaffarnagar. She has contacted NGOs to get the exact statistics of the place and is also in touch with people who have been on a field visit to Muzaffarnagar. Based on the data, they will chalk out a plan to cater to maximum number of people. Some people have promised her to donate 20 blankets while some others have given her money to buy the blankets.
Maryam has also asked her seniors in Delhi to help her in this social cause. They have started a center at Delhi too. Maryam said, "Many of our friends are in Delhi. They haven't come back to the city for the vacation. So even they can donate at the centre there."
Bushra Hasan, a resident of Hazratganj, has decided to help in the Muzaffarnagar donation drive. She has messaged and contacted people to donate. From cardigans, socks and blankets to anything that would make their New Year warm and happy. Bushra said, "I have asked people to send it to my place and once I've collected items in a good quantity, I will take it to Maryam's place."
In our city, there are many who live in poverty and sleep on the streets even on a bone-chilling night. Suraj Anand, a resident of Aliganj, had decided five years back to distribute blankets to the needy every New Year. Suraj said, "If we see a beggar outside a temple or sleeping on the streets, we give them blankets. Every New Year we distribute around 50 blankets in the city."
Another person who will work for a cause this New Year is Amitabh Mehrotra of Sparc India. He is trying his best to fill this year with opportunities for the disabled and marginalised. He said the disability Bill has been pending in Parliament and once the general elections take place, it would be delayed further. Hence, on December 31, they organised a candle walk from Vidhan Sabha to GPO, in which about 200 challenged people are expected to participate in the candle march.
Amitabh said, "We are the largest state with maximum number of disabled people. Our voice can make a difference."
There are many others who wish to start the year with blessings/wishes of a gratified poor. A tear of happiness and a soulful blessing from a poor person, means a celebration in itself. Two sisters in Gomtinagar distribute blankets and edibles every year to the poor of the city. One of them said, "We do not wish to be named, since in our religion we are only expected to donate and receive blessings, without revealing it to everyone."
Leaving our past behind and welcoming the future with warmth and happiness is what New Year is about. While some try to make others happy serving them special home-cooked food, the remaining go out partying or even go out of station. There is yet another lot of people who wish to start their year helping the poor and marginalised. This New Year, work for a cause and spread happiness all across.