As the American theologian Samuel Storms said, all prophecy is based on a revelation from God, but always operates at a lower level of authority than that of inspired Scripture. Though one person alone cannot change the world but can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples. For this, self-propelling is the key wherein the only failure the person fears is the failure to do his best. The response strategy of Fr.R.Jesudass, educationist turned social worker currently functioning as the Director of Dharmapuri Social Service Society (DSSS) during COVID 19 emergency in the districts of Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri in Tamil Nadu is worth a reflection. 

COVID-19 crisis is manifesting into an unprecedented catastrophe one that has left all countries of the world in disarray. Countries across the globe are rapidly evolving measures to tackle this crisis. The Indian Government has been one of the first and swift to announce and enforce total countrywide lockdown since 24th March 2020 to prevent the spread of the virus, making it the world’s largest lockdown. Poor people are afraid to talk about the word ‘coronavirus’ as it has created so much fear. They view this disease as an imported monster.

Social vulnerability of people with their caste identity such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Most Backward Castes, when compounded with health pandemic like COVID 19, drowns them deep down into economic crisis. Life sustenance and livelihood of these communities become exposed as quicksand, the cruel and harsh reality of which they cannot face or cope up. With no Plan-B or contingency amount, the deprived communities are experiencing the painful lashes from the lockdown and are hopelessly staring down the barrels. Normal life after the lockdown is a nagging question mark in their minds. 

Government schemes in this emergency though have come as a blessing, is proved to be insufficient considering the population size and scattered nature and hence the complimentary role of Civil Society Organisations becomes imperative. 38 districts in Tamil Nadu have a cumulative figure of 2323 positive patients as on 30th April 2020 and the operational districts of DSSS namely Krishnagiri (0) and Dharmapuri (1) have only one positive patient.

Out of self-fulfilling prophecy, Fr.Jesudass had a prediction of the negative impacts to be associated with this pandemic. This influenced him to start the response strategy even when others would not have thought about it. To begin with, on 11th February 2020 (World Sick day), he organised a mass awareness programme on Corona Virus Disease wherein 3500 people participated. This was followed up by mass rallies conducted in coordination with health and education commissions with students taking an active part in Hosur and Krishnagiri areas. During the first half of March itself, more than 10000 people could be reached through awareness programmes and materials.

Even though the 2 districts are not affected by COVID 19 health-wise, it has created a big impact on social and economic spheres. DSSS under Fr. Jesudass’ leadership distributed dry ration worth of Rs.1000/- ( Rice 10kg, Toordhal 2kg, One litre of Cooking Oil, Onion 2kg, Sambar Powder 100gm, Tea pack 1, Salt 1 pack and Soap), masks and sanitizers. A total of 2825 different categories of families living in 45 villages comprising Dalits (465), Below Poverty Line (433), Migrants (95), Sri Lankan Refugees (795), Widows (93), Irulas Tribe (40), Gypsy Community (80), Transgender (94), Leprosy patients (71), Inland fishermen (140) and daily wagers (190). Distribution of masks to 22000 persons and 1000 bottles of sanitizers have played a crucial role in containing this contagion. 

“ The coordination mechanism activated by Caritas India and Tamil Nadu Regional Forum has helped me to make my work effective. I extend my special thanks to our Bishop Most. Rev.Lawrence Pius, Caritas Manager- Dr. John Arokiaraj and TASOSS Director Fr. Albert Thambidurai. But for their relentless support and that of my like-minded companions and 900 plus volunteers, I could not have reached so many families” said the humble priest who has personally driven more than 4000 KM within these 2 districts in the last one month. He thanks his diocese and philanthropists with whose help Dharmapuri Diocese could invest 2.25 million rupees for this emergency response as on 30th April 2020. 

Distributing dry ration to 94 transgender persons at Nallampalli and 71 families in Bethel Leprosy Colony in the presence of Tahsildar of Dharmapuri is quite satisfying says Fr.Jesudass. “In the future, we may need to focus on volunteerism and local resources mobilisation for sustainability. It is possible and during the last one month alone I could mobilise Rs.4,50,000/- through the teachers’ network for procurement of dry ration” said the optimistic 45-year-old priest. Indeed, this one man’s effort has led to more coordination and solidarity initiatives.