India – Support and solidarity to victims of Cyclone “Gaja”

13 December 2018

(ANS – RMG) – Severe was the cyclonic storm “Gaja” that devastated large parts of the southern area of Tamilnadu. Four districts of Tamilnadu were violently hit while two districts were partially affected by this cyclone. Most of the poor people have lost their homes, farms, cattle, crops, belongings. Loss of electricity has created even harsher conditions for people with the loss of their basic fundamental needs.

The Salesian institutions in the district of Pudukottai, the Don Bosco Youth Resource Centre Keeranur, and the Don Bosco Aspirantate in the district of Thanjavur, were also affected. At this pressing and difficult time, the entire India-Tiruchy Province (INT) stands with the victims, reaching out to provide all the help possible.

Damage extended to other areas, too. In the district of Pudukottaiorm, institutions belonging to the Salesian Family, FMA Arts and Science College at Regunathapuram and SMA Skill Training Centre at Keeranur were also badly hit by the storm.

“I most greatly appreciate our institutions who have readily, immediately and spontaneously come forward to extend their support in the relief work as well as to offer material help to the victims material, providing solar lights, food, clothing, blankets, medicines, drinking water, mosquito nets and other basic needs,” said Fr Anthony Joseph, INT Provincial.

“As I whole heartedly appreciate this gesture of solidarity,” he went on, “I place on record the following communities who have made efforts to collect material help, visited the spot and engaged in relief work: DB Dindigul together with the Prenovices, DB Thanjavur with its Aspirants, the Retreat Yercaud community with the youth, ASMAM Community together with the ITI Students, DB Jawaharpuram community together with the ITI Students, Madurai LS Parish community, Keeranur community and youth, Varadarajanpet community with the DB Past Pupils, Madhakottai parish community, Keela Eral community with the youth, Savariarpalayam community with the youth, DB Vellakinar community, DBAI Coimbatore, DBAI Salem, DB Kazhiappanallur, DB Lalgudi, DB Namakkal and Jananam Department.”

“I am aware that a few more communities are trying in their best possible ways to reach out to these victims. I appreciate all of you for understanding the pain of these people and for extending your valuable support.”

“A sincere and special word of appreciation is extended to the ITI Students of AMSAM, DB Jawaharpuram and to the Prenovices of DB Dindigul for spending days in hard work to set right the affected area. We thank our Alaihal Media team for their photo and video coverage to bring to light the actual damage and the condition of the affected people. I thank Fr Agilan, the Vice Provincial, Fr Amaladoss, the Economer, Fr Maran, director of the Development Office, Fr Barnabass and Fr Arun Simiyon for making great efforts to reach out to the victims and inspiring many to do the same.”

Words of thanks were expressed also to BOSCONET – Delhi on behalf of the INT Province for coming forward to render their helps to the victims; to Kuzhanthai Francis (IVDP), Dharmapuri and to the Sacred Heart College, Tirupattur, for extending their support in a big way towards cyclone relief services; and to the Don Bosco National Past Pupil unit for their thoughtfulness and monetary help.

“The Good Lord shall surely bless us for the generosity and solidarity extended to our people in need. Let us continue to pray and support the affected families in all ways possible,” Fr Joseph concludes.

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ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

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