POST-TSUNAMI SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD PROJECT

Following the devastating tsunami that hit Southeast Asia on 26 December 2004, BAPS Charities provided widespread emergency aid to the many victims. The extensive damage caused much disruption to people's lives. To help them to return to normalcy, BAPS Charities has initiated a Sustainable Livelihood Project.

To help the tsunami victims earn their own living, three projects have been implemented with the support of the CHARDEP agency in Nagarcoil - gaudhan (cow donation) program, coir rope making equipment supply program and rubber slipper making program. After appropriate screening, families in need of such aid were identified and given appropriate aid.

The details of the three programs are as follows:

1. Gaudhan (Cow Donation)

Total of 250 milch cows to be presented. 50 cows presented to beneficiaries in the first phase. Two months cattle feed, three years insurance, vaccinations and expert veterinary help provided with each cow.

2. Coir Rope Making Equipment

Made from the skin of coconuts. 100 families provided with coir rope making equipment and a supply of raw material. Marketing guidance on how to sell their products also provided.

3. Rubber Slipper Making Units

Total of five manufacturing units set up. Total of 100 women employed - 20 in each unit. Equipment and raw materials provided.

These three programs were inaugurated at a special function held on Friday 1 July 2005. It was held at the Bhairavi Kalyana Mandapam in Parvathipuram, Nagarcoil. The chief guest at the inauguration function was Shri Venkat R. Chary, IAS (Retd.). Following this were speeches by Shri Murukappan, Trustee of CHARDEP, Shri Venkat R. Chary and Shri Janak Dave of BAPS Charities.

In his address to the gathering, Shri Venkat R. Chary commented, "It gives great pleasure to see that BAPS Charities through CHARDEP has come forward to help the tsunami victims to the maximum extent possible. Gaudhan is considered to be the greatest aid possible. Light is being brought into the lives of hundreds of families by these organizations. Under no circumstances should the tsunami victims lose heart."