The unpredictable monsoons of Gujarat have always been a cause for concern. Every year, the heavy rains unleashed devastating flash floods, with the rural and remote areas being the most affected. When torrential rains caught many villages in the Valsad area in its devastating clutches, they brought along large-scale destruction of families and their homes, livestock, food stocks and livelihood. As the affected families witnessed every inch of their homes being flooded and everything which they had worked hard to beget, being washed away, their helplessness and trauma sky-rocketed. Being cut off from the mainland, Bhilad village and its neighbouring villages could do nothing except for wait and pray for any kind of help. They were staring at starvation, diseases and infections and physical and mental trauma.
More than 3000 people were provided with cooked meals thrice a day, preventing starvation.
When the compassionate and courageous sevaks of Janswabhiman Welfare Society arrived in these villages, the flood-affected people heaved a sigh of relief. More than 3000 people were provided with cooked meals thrice a day, preventing starvation. Medicines and timely medical aid were given, preventing epidemics and outbreaks. Clothes and dry ration kits were provided to each family. Women and young girls were provided with essential hygiene products, to ensure their physical well-being. Livestock and stray animals were rescued and taken to safe shelters where they were given medical care and food.
“While the Sevaks cleaned away the filth on the streets, the affected villagers could clean away the filth of hopelessness.”
With the water level receding, the Sevaks engaged themselves in massive cleaning activities, scrubbing and scraping mud and filth off the homes and streets of the villages. While the Sevaks cleaned away the filth on the streets, the affected villagers could clean away the filth of hopelessness and replace it with complete faith in the fact that service rooted in Dharma never discriminates and Dharma never abandons anyone. Like air, it is there for everyone.
