IT News
Imphal, Dec 28:
The Art of Living Manipur has stepped in to mitigate the hardship of a chilling winter faced by people taking shelter in Relief Camps in Manipur following the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state. As part of its ongoing #AnoubaYakairol initiative, its volunteers are distributing warm clothes in Relief Camps located in different districts.
Under its “Spread the Warmth” campaign, the international NGO inspired by globally-revered spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has so far distributed nearly 1000 blankets, 1000 woolen shawls for ladies and 1000 hoodie sweaters for kids in 20 relief camps located in Khangabok in Thoubal District, Chairel, Nungoo, Tangjeng Khunjao and Mangjing in Kakching District; Santhong, Sunusiphai, Phubala, Ningthoukhong, Moirang Khunou, Phougakchao Ikhai, Terakhongsangbi, Thangalawai, Kumbi (2) and Moirang Okshongbung in Bishnupur District; Phayeng, Kangchup Chingkhong and Tairenpokpi in Imphal West District and Keibi in Imphal East District.
“Thanks to the contributions from our vast network of volunteers across the country and support from The Art of Living Trust (TAOL) Bangalore, we are able to reach out to people living in remote relief camps and provide warm clothes to help them mitigate the hardships of the cold weather,” shared Rajaque Rahman, program coordinator and a full-time volunteer of the Art of Living. “We intend to cover more relief camps and focus especially on children who are the innocent victims of the ongoing conflict. We have already procured 1000 more hoodies for immediate distribution,” he added.
“Following a daily Sudarshan Kriya practice session, we volunteers brainstormed and decided to help a few children at least with winter gears. That collective intention (sankalpa) manifested in a bigger way with people from different parts of India contributing for the cause and we are happy that we are able to reach out to so many people. We intend to keep the campaign going,” shared Gita Loukham, an elderly lady who volunteers for the Art of Living Manipur.
“When we practice Sudarshan Kriya and meditate regularly, the mind becomes calm and positive and we feel empowered to do something that will make a difference to the lives of those who are in need. This campaign is an outcome of the values we imbibe from the Art of Living such as taking more responsibilities and living a life of giving,” explains Brahmachari Dixon, a senior faculty of the Art of Living.
The Art of Living Manipur has been extending financial support to initiatives that cater to the educational needs of students staying in relief camps. It has already collaborated with Matai Society and Nouwa Education to provide learning materials and essentials to students of camps in Bishnupur District and Imphal West respectively. “Our volunteers are committed to do their maximum in supporting the people taking shelter in relief camps in different parts of the state,” assures Brahmachari Dixon.
