Punjab pitches in, serving flood victims of neighbouring J & K
Thursday, October 30th, 2014
Expressing solidarity with the suffering masses of flood ravaged Jammu & Kashmir, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation from the neighbouring State of Punjab had organised various relief camps bringing timely respite to many a thousand affected by the flood fury that caused massive destruction in early September. These relief camps were organised with the financial assistance of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust. The camps were set up after a thorough survey of the localities, requiring immediate assistance.
The unprecedented flood in the month of September is stated to be the worst in the history of the State, post Independence.
The first Medical Relief Camp in the series was organised on October 18 and 19 in the administrative area of Srinagar, distributing medicines to the needy, with the active cooperation of J & K Police.
Another camp was significantly held in the Jama Masjid, located in Pampore Village. This was a felicitous prelude for the active Sevadal force, considering the fact that no other organization was allowed to organize similar activities inside the Mosque precincts. Interestingly, the seva activities were set in motion with sacred ‘Omkar’ chanting followed by Bhagawan’s panacea for Universal Peace, ‘Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu’. Many hundreds were served, especially a group of protesting locals who initially rebuffed the relief aid from the local administration, after an assurance by the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation officials about the autonomous philanthropic nature of the Organisation.
Grace and Blessings of Bhagawan, as we many call it, that, in many areas, it was observed that some of the rebel groups, especially youth, who were agitating against local administration and police, later turned to join our Organizational relief efforts whole-heartedly, giving fillip to our efforts to reach out more victims. In many areas, blankets were distributed, after an elaborate door to door survey. In addition to the security provided by the Police, the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation volunteers were ably assisted by the Youth of Pampore, with reference to the door to door survey and subsequent distribution of the relief materials.
Second Medical Camp was set up in Beffina, a remote and distant village, on 20 October, where no other relief effort had reached. Over 150 houses in this village were completely ravaged to ruins causing substantial loss. Incidentally, this was Avatar Declaration Day of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai, and the camp was set up in a local Government School, having 200 students.
Approximately 250 people were benefited and 200 blankets were distributed among the victims. The School Principal has solicited for 100 school bags, V-necked grey coloured sweaters, grey coloured socks, grey trousers, white shirts, shoes and different sports equipment namely, badminton rackets, table tennis, carom boards, chess boards etc. Owing to the impending winters and the steadily falling temperature, children in the School need indoor games paraphernalia for their recreation and entertainment. Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation would be despatching the requested items with the next Sevadal batch departing for Srinagar.
The third Camp in Srinagar was organized on 21 October in Arrigutmoo village nearby Kalimgunj in Kulgaam District. Local Masjid committee eased out the task with their active cooperation, helping SSSO volunteers in distributing blankets to the needy.
To summarise the activities, the Punjab Sathya Sai Organisation had sent 1 truck load of blankets to Jammu area and 3 Truck loads consisting of blankets, stationary and medicines etc. to serve different areas in J&K.
Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation would be continuing its efforts conducting active Medical Relief Camps, 15-20 a minimum, until 15 November. Survey would be conducted in Southern Kashmir, assessing the situation to quantify the assistance package. Southern Kashmir endured extensive devastation during the flood. Continuing with the ongoing effort in Srinagar, SSSO intends to provide 750 quilts, mattresses and beddings for the orphanages in the State’s Summer Capital. Not the least, serious planning is being made for the rehabilitation of the affected people, by repair and reconstruction of the houses and schools, in the worst-affected areas of the September flood fury.
II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
Posted in Prasanthi News |
