by Father Mayank Parmar for BISMumbai

The COVID-19 Lockdown 3.0 is nearing an end, even as cases are multiplying in Gujarat. DRISTI Don Bosco Kapadvanj analysed the situation of financial contributions and approached the Self Help Groups [SHGs] it animates in 65 village of Kapadvanj Block in Kheda District. In a spectacular response, DRISTI received Rs. 65,000/- cash, 1500kg wheat, 100kg bajri, 30kg sugar, 50kg rice. This generosity 'of the people, by the people, for the people' is an eye-opener and a rewarding result of the animating-mentoring of DRISTI.

Phase 03 helped 148 most needy poor, with each kit containing 7kg wheat, 3kg rice, 500gm toor dal, 500gm moog, 500gm cooking oil, 2kg sugar, 1pkt salt, 1pkt tea powder, 1pkt chilli, 1pkt turmeric powder, 1pkt garam masala, 1Dettol bathing soap, and 5washing soaps. Personally prepared by Father Dinesh Vasava- Director Amrutdhara, with the help of 03 youth volunteers from the villages, and with DRISTI staff Minaxiben, Mahendrabhai and Narendrabhai.

Kaushikbhai-Sarpanch Singhali village said, "this is very little contribution but I am sure this l will go for the most needy persons, as there are many NGOs, but Don Bosco is one of the few very transparent NGOs in this block, we can fully trust." Sushilaben SHG leader and Anganvadi worker from Alvana Muvada said,"my personal contribution of Rs. 500/- towards this noble work by DRISTI".

DRISTI had an encouraging experience in Hadmatia village where the SHG group had promised 50kg wheat, but upon arrival, teh villagers filled and packed the entire jeep with wheat sacks, amounting to much more than 50 kgs. Many of the SHGs women with other women of the village walked in the hot sun with sacks of wheat to reach out to the poorest needy. Similar experiences in many villages of the tremendous extra generosity in cash and kind has enabled DRISTI to reach 740 individuals in 148 families in 32 villages of Kapadvanj Block.