Grief, anger among Indian diaspora in US as COVID crisis worsens

As the pandemic ravages India, the millions-strong Indian diaspora in the US are stricken with panic, pain and grief.

Mississippi, United States – Rayees Ahmed Mirza would advise his mother Najma, 55, in India’s southern city of Hyderabad to wear a mask and not venture out every time he spoke to her over the phone. From his experience in the United States, the 35-year-old IT professional from Minnesota knew the COVID-19 pandemic in India was far from over. On April 15, Mirza had just started work when his mobile phone started to ring continuously. He answered and heard the news he dreaded most.