COVID 19 has forced life to come to a standstill but committed organisations and people are not deterred by the hurdles and became all the more strategic in the successful execution of their people-oriented programmes. It was evidently seen on 12^th August 2020 when the Virtual handing over of shelters and distribution of livelihood materials to 581 beneficiary families took place during the Cyclone Gaja shelter and livelihood recovery programme  organised at Easanoor Village, Nagapattinam

When a large scale natural disaster like Cyclone Gaja (2018) causes physical destruction and the recovery process becomes emotionally and financially expensive, humanitarian organisations like Caritas India reaches out to the affected who need a transition from the status of victims to dignified citizens. As an individual organisation, it was a herculean task for Caritas India to respond to the recovery process of 23108 families who have totally lost their shelter and livelihood. At this juncture, the great partnership support rendered by United Way Bengaluru (UWB) and United Way Chennai (UWC) with the generous financial backing from Mphasis has been instrumental in successfully reaching out to 581 Gaja Cyclone affected families. 87 of them are shelter beneficiaries and 494 are benefiting under different livelihood activities. They belong to 13 villages in Thalainayar and Keezhayur blocks of Nagapattinam district.  Despite field challenges, adverse climatic situations and COVID 19 lockdown, Caritas India could achieve its mission.

While welcoming the dignitaries for the virtual inauguration, Dr. John Arokiaraj, Manager, Caritas India mentioned that but for the determined efforts of Caritas India  Management, Mphasis- the Corporate  Partner, UWB- the CSR Partner, UWC- the implementing partner of Caritas India and the support of Panchayat leader representatives, Civil Engineer Mr.Sreenivasan of S Construction, the vendors who promoted the local economy and all the people of goodwill, this project would not have reached this far. The district administration was given special thanks for the approval, assurances and accompaniment.

Mr.Mahesh, Senior Manager of UWB who was spearheading the monitoring process on behalf of his organisation introduced the dignitaries and explained the progression of the programme in brief. He mentioned how field challenges were addressed collectively. He highlighted the overall process and made special mention on the systems introduced by Caritas India like feedback and complaints redressal system, documentation system, the formation of shelter and livelihood monitoring committees, etc.,  He appreciated Caritas India field team especially point person Chellapandi who is in the field since the beginning of the project and has been giving handholding support and daily update on the progress of the project even during COVID 19 lockdown period.

“It is a wonderful journey of empowerment wherein the Gaja Cyclone affected people who are extremely poor, vulnerable, physically and socially challenged have come up with enhanced dignity. It has been a cherishing moment to witness the convergence of Caritas India, UWB, UWC and Mphasis sharing common values of passion and compassion leading to the accomplishment even in extreme situations.

We will continue this journey of love in action” said Fr. Paul Moonjely, Executive Director of Caritas India during his felicitation address.

“It was just wonderful to associate with Caritas India team in executing the recovery project reaching out to the neediest combining grass root knowledge and statistical tools. The prioritisation was great. It was good learning for UWC and opportunity for mutual sharing” observed Mr.Advaitya, Senior Manager UWC.

Ms.Sarojini Subbaiah, Associate Vice President, representing CSR partner-Mphasis emphasised that inclusion within the community is the focus of her organisation and she felt happy that the very best in terms of needs requirement are helped and wished them the very best.

Mr. Rajesh Krishnan, CEO of UWB said that though the completion of the project took a longer time than expected because of multiple issues, we as collaborating organisations stood the test of time together as one team. It is an outstanding example of sustaining collaborative effort which is the crux of SDG 17. Despite the threat of COVID 19, we were all brought under one umbrella and collectively we brought new flavour and nuances to the project, he said candidly.

On behalf of 132 beneficiaries under support to head load women fish vendors Ms. Josephine received a package comprising of the vessel (25-30 Kg capacity), weighing scale, knife (one set – 2 Nos), storage box and seed capital of Rs.1500/-. Ms.Malliga of  Keela Easanoor received 2 goats and she was representing 245 beneficiaries. Ms.Santhanam represented 27 beneficiaries who were given assistance under refurbishment of shops. Solan and Vijayaragavan received fishing nets on behalf of 44 inland fisher people from Avarikadu.

41 small vendors prioritised by the livelihood assessment committee were supported with a cash transfer amount of Rs.4750/- to carry out their proposed petty business like grocery shop, petty shop, fish stall, tea shop, ironing centre, tiffin shop and tailoring unit. Ms. Vasantha, belongs to the Dalit community and in the economic front comes under the Below Poverty Line category. She is a differently-abled person since childhood with her left leg being affected by polio and has got 40% disability.

Radhika and Vijayakumar family having 4 children including 2 girl children belong to the Dalit community and come under BPL category. Their small hut was fully damaged during Cyclone Gaja. Their family is one among the 87 families that were supported with shelter measuring 263 Sq.ft. They said they never thought they would live in such a safe and beautiful house. Our house has got column foundation and there are 6 pillars, they said happily.

The virtual handing over of shelter and livelihood programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Ms.Pooja, Assistant Manager, Emergency Response and Disaster Risk Reduction.