Cover Story : Swayamsevaks in Action

Swayamsevaks were working 24×7 for rescue and relief activities. Food packets and drinking water were distributed in flood affected areas.

As regards the rescue operations are concerned, RSS swayamsevaks along with Parivar organisations helped in worst affected areas in the first spell of rains winning the appreciation from many quarters including Government Officials. As regards the second spell of rains, work began, a meeting was held and planning was done meticulously by dividing the work under 14 departments—to name a few medical, rescue, distribution of relief materials, counselling, preparing and distributing food (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), coordinating etc.  Help in terms of materials, money etc., are coming from many quarters and our task is to see to it that it is properly distributed.  Many voluntary organisations and individuals have also are doing commendable work.
Shri Sambamurthy, RSS Prant Karyavah (Uttar Tamil Nadu) narrates the ground level work experienced by hundreds of swayamsevaks on first relief work. “During the relief works for the rain devastated Chennai people, some interesting things are happening. RSS local shaka (branch) level workers, ably assisted by senior office bearers of the Sangh have risen to the crisis by extending the immediate needs of the affected people.
Rescue operations, food, medicines, candles and drinking water were the urgent requirements which were served by swayamsevaks. In many centres policemen who were on duty, allowed only those swayamsevaks who were in half pant. Our workers had to plead with them to permit other swayamsevaks in normal dress – full pant etc to join the relief works. Doctors and police personnel had no proper arrangement for their own food and swayamsevaks were only too happy to serve them. Tamil Nadu government Health Secretary, many corporation councilors acknowledged our work when they personally visited such spots. One senior worker called the Mayor of Chennai Corporation at 4 o'clock in the morning to help getting a Corporation School opened for sheltering about 250 affected slum dwellers. Thankfully he responded fulfilled the request.”