by Father Mayank Parmar for BISMumbai

As an immediate response to the COVID-19 2nd wave surge, DRISTI Don Bosco Kapadwanj ascertained that 03-04 deaths occured in its neighbouring villages, due to COVID-19. DRISTI then compiled a list from among 65 villages, and identified 16 villages of the Kapadwanj Block, with the main criterion being the number of deaths in each village. Obtaining a letter from each Sarpanch, and engaging the services of 02 local volunteers per village, who went around with the sanitization equipment, sanitizing each house, within each of the 16 village limits, DRISTI managed the entire process with 22 volunteers, accompanied by its in-house staff.

The week-long sanitization process witnessed the involvement of the village Sarpanches and the whole-hearted cooperation of the village-inhabitants. Apart from each house, public spaces like temples, dairy, schools, panchayat offices, and the like were also sanitised. This initiative was monetarily facilitated by the Gujarat Jesuits' PDO [Province Development Office]. Further on the anvil, are awareness rallies, and distribution of sanitisers to public utility centres, such as panchayat offices and dairies, in the Kapadvanj Block.

DRISTI Health Coordinator-Jyoticaben Rajbharti says, "this was the need of the hour as the cases kept increasing during this time. Although people had misconceptions at first that sprinkling of medicine was for Malaria to which people are used to, they were hesitant and reluctant but we put them at ease and ensured that the whole house is sanitized." Shri Vinod-Sarpanch Bhailakui, Shri Kiran-Sarpanch Salod and Shri Vijay-Taluka Delegate were unanimous stating, "DRISTI has been a forefront warrior during COVID-19 from the start. Apart from reaching the most needy with relief kits, ukala distribution, masks and sanitizers, this initiative of village-sanitisation is much appreciated."