By Verghese V Joseph –
Reviewing the Covid-19 pandemic relief works organised by the Ecumenical Alliance in the Assam’s Guwahati, a decision was taken to continue with the helpline services for thousands of people from North-East India who are till stranded in different parts of India. The helpline was set up to reach out to the people of North East India who were travelling back home due to Civid-19 pandemic situation.
The Ecumenical Alliance felt that while the government networks were a great job, however there is a need to extend the reach out to people as the situation was unprecedented. The Covid 19 pandemic is having dire consequences in India in particular for the thousands of people from North East India who are stranded in different parts of India.
A zoom meeting of collaborators, associations, and volunteers of the Helpline service was held on 13th June from 9.30 am to 11 am. The meeting began with an invocation prayer led by Rev. Abel Jacob the director of Hope Foundation. Among the prominent persons who participated in the meeting were Rev. Sr. Dhanam from Delhi, Rev. Sr. Prema from Guwahati, Dr.Alana Golmei from Delhi and Madam Rini Ralte from Bangalore.
The introduction and the objectives of the meetings were highlighted by Rev. Abel Jacob. The day-to-day functioning of the Helpline, calls attended and responses from different parts of India and abroad were shared among the participants.
Rev. Sr. Dhanam in her interventions highlighted the nation-wide network of catholic Sisters and priests who are involved in reaching out to the people of North East India in different parts of India.
Madam Rini Ralte, an eminent professor of theology at United Theological College Bangalore, shared the initiatives in Bangalore. The hundreds of vehicles and volunteers and reaching out to thousands of people with ration and attending to their needs is a real praxis of theology during the present crisis.
Dr. Alana Golmei, an eminent activist and a lawyer based in Delhi, narrated the several initiatives in Delhi. It is worth mentioning that Dr. Alana together with her team has been extremely helpful in reaching out to thousands of people from North East India especially through her committed team of volunteers through social media platforms.
The presentations and interactions added impetus to the on-going work of the helpline. It was resolved to continue the work and also to begin a tele counselling services for those who have returned to North East India.
Fr. Tom Mangattuthazhe, North East India Regional Bishops Council Secretary for Ecumenism, expressed deep gratitude and thanked the many individuals and organisations across India. “It has been an exemplary ministry of the Lord Jesus to serve our fellow human beings with empathy and warmth armed by the Holy Spirit. This was a collective initiative and are reinventing new forms of Christian ecumenical solidarity,” he added.
As the Bible says instead of capitulating to fear, it is time to reinforce cooperation and humanitarian assistance to support our people. “Do not be alarmed when disaster comes. Cling to him and do not leave him, so that you may be honoured at the end of your days. Whatever happens to you, accept it, and in the uncertainties of your humble state, be patient, since gold is tested in the fire, and chosen men in the furnace of humiliation. Trust him and he will uphold you, follow a straight path and hope in him. You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; do not turn aside in case you fall.” Ecclesiastics / Sirach 2:1-0
The meeting was concluded with a prayer and benediction.