‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Mathew 25:40)’ is the guiding force in my life. “I am fascinated by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) that show the way for value-filled existence in the world. I receive good inspiration from the encyclical Laudato Si (Praised Be to You) by Pope Francis that the whole of creation will be better if everyone takes responsibility in his or her daily life to care for nature and thus work for justice and peace on earth. I decided to start from somewhere. The leadership responsibility in Dindigul Multipurpose Social Service Society (DMSSS) and the support given by Caritas India to strengthen poor people’s capacity to make them guardians of their natural resources arrived at the right time. Through Natural Resources Management, my staff team, leaders, and volunteers got trained in the nuances of land and water protection” says Fr.Samson Arockiadass, Director of DMSSS.

Through micro development initiatives and with the involvement of local committees, DMSSS wanted to bring in accountability in the utilization of natural resources.

While protecting the community from exploitation, rural livelihood development is promoted. Through a socially inclusive strategy both agriculture, as well as non-farm development, are encouraged to make poor self-reliant and live with human dignity.  All the above measures have been taken at the backdrop of reverting to traditional sustainable farming methods, protection of soil and water, and enhancement of livelihood for healthy living in a conducive environment.

DMSSS’ fleet of 350 women trained on Panchayat Raj Institutions takes care of the local governance system thus instilling hope among the poor who are disproportionately affected by climate change. ‘Linking the issues of poverty  which has been a major issue towards an integral ecology, I started shaping my perspective looking at the environment through a spiritual lens.’ As there is an interconnectedness among all creations, DMSSS developed an age-appropriate programme for social involvement contributing to their community. In order to optimise human resources and skills and enhance the processes, DMSSS solicited the accompaniment of resource support organisations particularly Caritas India. The periodical training and handholding support is given by Dr. John Arokiaraj, Manager, Caritas India helped gain confidence in leaping forward.  DMSSS Village level Land and Water Committees with 1700 volunteer base collectively steer the process of land and water protection movement and they are the ambassadors in campaigns. The Diocesan Perspective Plan evolved is in alignment with the key strategic pillars of International and National Caritas and Tamil Nadu Regional Forum- TASOSS.

The COVID 19 global pandemic has very badly impacted Dindigul district not to mention the miseries of migrant workers. Fr.Samson, because of his familiarity with the district administration was invited by the Collector to address the public regarding restrictions in religious rituals and sharing awareness messages on behalf of Bishop. Poor and vulnerable especially orphan and semi orphan children, resource-poor families, Dalit, homeless people, physically challenged, transgender are given high priority in  COVID relief response. As Dindigul district is located in the rain shadow region between Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats, people living in remote highlands are given special attention as the majority of them are already living in utter poverty. DMSSS ensures appropriate involvement of stakeholders and already established platforms are meticulously utilised for spreading awareness on COVID 19. Around 15000  awareness leaflets were distributed.

The approach of Fr.Samson follows the cardinal principles of inclusiveness, subsidiarity, quick decision making, complementarity, treating people with justice and dignity, and consensus-building. DMSSS staff also follow these principles and that is the reason why they show objectivity while identifying the beneficiaries. With the strong support of  352 volunteers from among the well-knit CBO structures, DMSSS is quite professional in responding to the timely needs of  vulnerable and marginalised who live in the fringes of society. DMSSS had already mapped the vulnerable locations and habitats. So, reaching out to the needy was not time-consuming.

‘We spend time in strategizing our response and inform the local contacts. They guide us further. In many Parishes, the Parish Priests had the beneficiaries name list and when our support was not enough, they complimented us with finance so that when we visited, we could cover all the deserving without any hitches. It helps to go prepared with possible solutions for smooth distribution’ explained the Director.  As on 27th May, 2020,  the organisation could reach out to 19,507 people directly through distributing 5,332 dry ration kits along with 2,310 hygiene kits, 1,150  sanitizers, and 11,100 masks.

‘Our Bishop Most.Rev.Thomas Paulsamy is the pillar of support and he is instrumental in facilitating DMSSS spend Rs.36,49,120/- for showing our solidarity to the COVID 19 affected. On his Priestly Ordination day, he personally visited the transgender community and distributed dry ration materials to 28 members. In turn, they offered saplings to Bishop. This gesture gave lot of meaning to the very existence of DMSSS’ said Fr.Samson. DMSSS made home delivery of ration kits to deserving cases and 2460 people were given psychosocial counselling.

Supporting widows with sewing machines and engaging them in stitching masks thus ensuring their livelihood during this lockdown period is quite satisfying. Visiting the people living in Sirumalai and giving dry ration kits contribute to our mission. With contentment, Fr. Samson candidly said  ‘DMSSS can very strongly say that because of our intervention, we could reduce death due to starvation. Thanks to the well-wishers and collaborators who are partaking in our efforts fighting the invisible enemies – injustice and at the moment COVID 19.’