Today is the New Year in many states, Baisakhi time in some others. Ambedkar Jayanti also. Greetings to everyone.
Today the team and Bramesha (Head Constable from nearby Hulimavu Police Station, a very kind hearted guy) went around distributing rations – rice and dal. The situation is getting more desperate each day. When we were out we did not know that the lockdown has now been extended. But even without that knowledge, people were running up to the vehicle, and we had to be tough to keep distance and follow the rules – but managed. In a few locations we saw dozens of people come running to the vehicle. As of now they are requesting and begging, but have started quarrelling among themselves. Recall the horror movies and stories about people on the verge of starvation? We have not yet got there, but things are now going to get worse.
We decided to start distributing coupons against which they can collect rations per family from a nearby trader. He has currently agreed, but is going to throw up his hands soon given the situation. Going out and distributing food directly is becoming more and more difficult as people get more and more desperate. We are trying to work out another system using volunteers to pack 5kg rice and 1 kg dal per family and find another way of distributing. This will supplement the trader’s work. Of course, we will keep going out to distribute coupons and keep an ear to the ground.
Please keep the donations coming. Now that lockdown is extended to May 3 rd  at least, we have more work to do.  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.