By Matters India Reporter
Siliguri, April 18, 2020: The Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate (Nirmala Sisters) have been distributing relief goods to poor people affected by the current lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic in and round of Siliguri, a city in the northeast of Indian state of West Bengal and other regions.
The Coronavirus outbreak continues to spread, making millions of homeless living on the streets with a lack of ability to self-quarantine, access to medical care and food, said Sister Vigita Pereira, provincial superior of Siliguri province.
“The pandemic has affected the lives of common people. The present situation may worsen in the coming days. As a result, many people suffer from lack of food, medicine, and another livelihood,” she added.
According to her, the most affected people are children, sick and elderly who do not have a permanent job but depend for their livelihood on daily labor. Many are starving.
Under the current circumstances, the lowest stratum of society, comprising of daily wage and construction workers, contract laborers, street vendors, and migrants have been the worst hit since a nationwide lockdown began on March 25, Sister Pereira said.
“These groups have lost the only source of their income and have no means to make ends meet or provide food for their families. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to respond to this difficult situation through our prayer, sacrifices, and financial support,” the nun said.
Sisters made a survey and prepared a list to distribute provisions to daily workers, widows, low-income groups and the marginalized that are severely affected by the lockdown.
“We have begun to distribute food grains and sanitary kits to those who are worst hit by the lockdown,” said Sister Magdaline Alva, who along with other nuns are leading the relief operation.
On April 17, the nuns distributed food items such as 5 kg rice, 1kg lintel, 1/2kgs of soybeans,1 packet salt and a piece of soap to 54 families of Chayanpara and Subashpally villages.
Also, the same amount of things were distributed to 52 families of Pradhanpara, Sevoke Road village.
On April 8, the nuns helped near 500 people of various villages in Siliguri and other places with relief kits.
Each received soaps, masks, rice and dal following government guidelines strictly and maintain social distancing, said Sister Lilli George, a member of the team.
The nuns continue to extend their support to more people in supplying food grains and medicines in different villages.
“We acknowledge the spirit of our fellow citizens and many religious communities to combat the COVID-19 situation. It has brought the Government, organizations from across industries, the religious communities and individuals together to help others,” said Sister Albina Karadiyil, another member.
The outpouring of generosity, solidarity, and incredible fortitude sparked by this shared challenge in India has been remarkable, she said.
“During these trying times, courage, generosity, and resilience have made an enormous difference. With patience and understanding, we work together to face this challenge,” added Sister Karadiyil.
At the same time, Seva Kendra Siliguri (Diocesan social service society) of Bagdogra is reaching out to the people affected by the lockdown through the distribution of dry rations, masks, giving awareness, and helping people to access government schemes, said Father Felix Antony Pinto, director.
It also networks with other organizations to bring little solace to most affected in places like Prakash Nagar, Siliguri, Painikumari, Hanasqua, and Ghospukur, Fulbari.
“We continue to support the needy along with the Catholic Diocese of Bagdogra and institutions under it. Our 70-membered staff has been engaged in COVID related work,” said Father Pinto.