Yesterday we received 1000 kits from Akshaya Patra. As per their norms, they give about 12 to 15 kg for two persons enough for more than 20 days. These are free and we did not pay for it. We received 200 kits from Akshay Patra at IIM and 800 kits at Sunbird Trust – both in Bangalore. Sunbird Trust is run and founded by Col (retd) Christopher Rego who works in the North East, but is from Bangalore. Here he is caring for the migrants from there who are often neglected.
The first lot of distribution was completed yesterday, May 12th. Some more is in process. The team worked till 3.30 pm with Bramesha our local Head Constable and ended up skipping lunch. This was heavy work as each kit is 15 kg, had to be loaded and unloaded, and then transported and distributed. Some IIM students also helped out a lot.
“Due diligence” was done more carefully this time as the quantity was substantial in each kit and we made sure only those without work and wages and in need got the kits. This is not as easy as it sounds in crowded slums. But once you explain, people generally cooperate and understand why we do what we do. No doubt if we had unlimited kits and fundswe would have given to everyone.
Today morning Bramesha went and distributed another 150 coupons to 150 families.
Ps. We are taking up a small amount of work on the Highway bypasses near Indore. Tens of thousands are walking back from Maharashtra/Mumbai to UP etc. and are passing through the Indore bypass. Our small team there started work today in collaboration with other efforts, particularly the Ramakrishna Mission, Indore.
I would like to end with the words of Swami Vivekananda:
"I consider that the great national sin is the neglect of the masses, and that is one of the causes of our downfall. No amount of politics would be of any avail until the masses in India are once more well educated, well fed, and well cared for. They pay for our education, they build our temples, but in return they get kicks. They are practically our slaves. If we want to regenerate India, we must work for them."
Thank you once again for the generous support.
Anyone interested in contributing, can send in their donations to the following:
Name: Centre for Collective Development
Bank: SBI IIM Bangalore Branch
A/c No: 54019812310
IFSC: SBIN0040803
Please email sarmagn.blr@ccd.ngo giving your name, PAN number, address and amount contributed. We will be happy to send you the 80G receipt so that you can avail a tax benefit.
Comments