Author:
Publication: Organiser
Date: May 8, 2005
URL: http://www.organiser.org/dynamic/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=77&page=18
"The Rashtriya Swayam-sevak Sangh
(RSS) has gained a foothold at the tsunami-hit villages in Kollam district
of Kerala by outpacing the rest of the non-governmental agencies in relief
and rehabilitation work. Arattupuzha and Alappad Panchayats, which bore
the brunt of tsunami, though ruled by the Marxists and Congressmen respectively,
are looking to the RSS for help. Sewa Bharati, an RSS social service arm,
has opened two local offices each in Arattupuzha and Alappad," reports
The Peninsula, Qatar's leading English daily.
According to the report the RSS
has appointed four top leaders to coordinate Sewa Bharati units. It is
planning mega schemes, including cultural and educational centres, to "guide
the students and youths on to the proper path."
Sewa Bharati will train women in
self-employment ventures besides building houses and distributing fishing
boats and gear to the tsunami victims. Sources said that the 2,000-sq feet
of a cultural centre at Arattupuzha would be constructed soon. VHP working
president, Ashok Singhal unveiled the schemes recently. He distributed
five fishing craft, nets and Yamaha engines at the function.
While the political parties, including
the CPM and also the NGOs had flagged off after the first few weeks' services,
the Sewa Bharati activists had maintained the tempo by distributing food
and medicines and holding classes for students. They have also undertaken
renovation of small family-owned temples damaged during the tsunami.
The RSS has deployed 100 volunteers
each in the two Panchayats. A large number of people, especially youth,
are actively associated with the Sewa Bharati activities. Some 27 Christian
organisations have also been permitted to construct houses in the Arattupuzha
Panchayat but the row over rehabilitation remains a festering sore.
FOC