By Dr. John Tharakan –
The incessant rains, floods and landslides in parts of Kerala and Karnataka last month caused massive devastation to life, property and dreams of hundreds of thousands of people. The sudden change of nature, in nature, was a source of surprise, shock and alarm to people all over the world. Yet in the middle of all the sorrow, suffering and darkness, one story was constantly repeated – the story of the Good Samaritan, of reaching out to those in need. The Bangalore Archdiocese responded to the situation in a spontaneous yet strategic manner. A few glimpses of their response under the able leadership of His Grace Archbishop Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore are shared below.
On August 8, 2018, an emergency meeting was convened and chaired by Archbishop Peter Machado to discuss how Bangalore Archdiocese could help its sisters and brothers affected by the floods. Over 40 members from various institutions related to health, development, social service, education, corporates, NGO’s etc. were present. It was decided that an appeal to all parishes, institutions and organizations of the Catholic Church would be made to collect materials for those affected by floods and 9 drop-off locations identified. The Bangalore Archdiocese Flood Relief Services was formed to coordinate the activities with a core team of 17 members for close monitoring and follow up.
The response of the laity was immediate and humbling. Collections were received from different schools, institutions, colleges, religious houses, parishes, companies and individuals ranging from Rs. 10 to Rs. 10 lakh. This resulted in material worth more than 30 lakhs and Rs. 1.3 crore being collected in a matter of few weeks. This was in addition to materials and funds collected in the Archdiocese that were sent directly to organizations in Kodagu and Kerala. Strangers right from school children to senior citizens were reaching out to help strangers. No one sought credit for what they did; they only wanted to help each other. An example of the human spirit at its best and faith in action.
The core team unanimously agreed that funds would be sent to Caritas India, the social arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) with activities like these as its core mandate. Caritas was already taking the lead at the grass root level. Fr. Paul Moonjelli, Director, Caritas India assured members that there would be total accountability and transparency in terms of the usage of funds and the contributions of the Bangalore Archdiocese would be recognized. Caritas India would transfer funds to the Organization for the Development of People (ODP) who will implement the activities in Kodagu.
While there were many areas like shelter (re-construction and repair), health, livelihood restoration, psychosocial rehabilitation, etc. screaming for attention and funding, it was decided that the Bangalore Archdiocese would focus on the construction of permanent houses (estimated to cost 5 lakhs a house) with 50% of the houses being for Kodagu and 50% for Kerala.
A team led by Archbishop Peter Machado with 10 members from the Bangalore Archdiocese Flood Relief Services visited Kodagu and had meetings with parish priests of the affected areas. Our team visited Somwarpet, Hattihole, Galibeedu, Madikeri and surrounding areas where landslides had occurred and swept away houses causing severe damage to property.
In Suntikoppa, we interacted with more than 500 students in one school as two schools were merged into one due to the destruction of one school by landslides. We heard innumerable stories about people going out of their way during the floods and landslides to help others, strangers giving others all they had, people losing their lives while trying to save others… each one of them heroes in their own way. While the team shared a meal with more than 80 people who had lost their homes and belongings, one could see within them the urge to draw from the heart of suffering, the means of inspiration and survival. The need continues to be large and the plan is to continue mobilising funds through various avenues.
While the waters have receded and life is getting back to some form of normalcy – or a new normal, where do we stand? The floods have shown us that the human spirit reaches out selflessly to those in need. It has also taught us that things we think are precious to us can be taken away from us in a moment, except the most precious thing we have – our loving and living God. While praying for those affected by the floods, let us cherish the gifts God has blessed us with, value life more and be more ‘Christ-like’ in the present. Through our lives, may His living waters flow on…
Dr. John Tharakan, CEO of Be-Ivy Education is an alumnus of Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In the Archdiocese of Bangalore he is a member of the Core Committee of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, Joint Secretary of the Health Commission and Joint Secretary of the Catholic Doctors Association.