As we know, the entire country including the State of West Bengal has been already going through the tough time of the pandemic. In this crucial situation West Bengal faced the brunt of Cyclone Amphan on May 20, 2020. While most districts of West Bengal are impacted, but the storm’s impact is devastating for the millions who live in the Sundarbans. Mud homes are swept away, embankments are destroyed and farms are inundated by saline water that made them unfit for cultivation. Amphan caused large-scale destruction to property in several parts of South & North districts of Bengal. In abide to help the poor and homeless people in coping with the Amphan, Afflatus Foundation have responded to the situation with generous funding support from TMILL (TM International Logistics LTD). We have taken initiative to distribute Food Basket, Hygiene and Dignity kits to 75 affected families in Bali Island in South 24 Parganas to ensure food security and hygiene.

In the midst of the on-going pandemic, during lockdown, to support our community in West Bengal, in associated with CINI, Afflatus Foundation stepped under the programRahat initiated by Goonj, to distribute identified relief supplies to theaffected communities immediately after the assessment stage. Byadhering to all safety and hygiene measures, we have begun relief service by providing packed Grocery Kits, Nutrimix with essentials Hygiene products. These were distributed to 447 affected households in Siliguri; Rambagan, Tangra, Bansdroni under South 24Pgs and Dumdum Cantonment under North24 Pgs.

Every time we took the initiative to be with those who needed us most, unfortunately we fail to achieve a Feeling of Accomplishment. The reason is people are lacking very basic necessities. Today’s experience is almost the same. Beraberi’s densely populated with around 10,000 people. There are a good number of Physically & Mentally challenged persons available. However, most of them have no Disability Certificate. Out of the vast population, only a few people have a ration card. High rates of school drop-out due to the financial burden. No vocational training is available here. Medical facility, Electricity & Water (Deep Tube well – Arsenic Type) supply are a major concern. One sub-centre is there with limited resources. No one has been vaccinated since doesn’t have adequate information. People have no idea about government schemes and local administration is reluctant to make them aware.

Due to Pandemic & repeated lockdown people’s financial strength absolutely broken down. Innumerous number of people submitted their Aadhaar Card just to register their name for this Covid Relief.

With the imposition of the Lockdown, the procurement, as well as the distribution of relief, looked quite impossible. But the revitalized and reinvigorated team of Afflatus completed the distribution with greater zeal, resolve and efficacy. We put together a basic family pack containing Rice, Pulse, Master Oil, Soyabean, Biscuit, and Cotton Mask for the 61 families of Beraberi on 24th May 2021.

Last but not the least; we are extremely grateful that our patrons have given so significantly at such an unpredictable time. The support has been hugely appreciated. We aspire to reach more people in the coming days.

We carry out distribution not just over villages or blocks, but also focus on children who need dire attention. One of the most significant distributions include our dy food distribution program at the Ananda Marg orphanage for the children who are hardly cared about by the society. Many other orphanages are also provided amenities through distribution programs from time to time.