In a heartwarming display of unity and selflessness, the Christian Service Institution (CSI) All Immanuel Church’s priest in Meppadi, Wayanad, has publicly praised the tireless efforts of Sevabharati, the Sangh-inspired organization known for its humanitarian work, especially during calamities. His accolades come after a severe landslide in the region that claimed nearly 400 lives and left hundreds more missing, turning the region into a poignant testament to humanity’s resilience.
Sevabharati, long respected for its unswerving commitment to service, was among the first responders, reaching the site on the very day of the disaster. Their operations, executed with a sense of urgency and precision, have been pivotal in assisting the relief and rescue efforts led by the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Kerala Police, and Fire & Rescue Services. Their spontaneous action, not waiting for a formal directive, highlights Sevabharati’s dedication and understanding of the gravity and urgency of such situations.
Vicar Fr. P.V. Cherian’s commendation of Sevabharati is significant, given his organization’s usually reserved stance towards the Sangh Parivar. He mentioned that Sevabharati workers are temporarily housed in the church and utilize the premises for logistics, pointing out their extraordinary discipline. His changed perception of the Sevabharati reflects the organization’s exemplary conduct during critical times, exemplifying a rare blend of professionalism, resilience, and humanity.
Two Sevabharati workers tragically lost their lives while carrying out their life-saving mission in Wayanad, underscoring the immense risks undertaken in the line of duty.
Sevabarati activities are noble and humane in all calamity-stricken places. People of Kerala have witnessed it when Kerala was paralysed by killer waves of Tsunami in December 2004 and grave floods of 2018. They saw the same when Puttinal temple fire accident killed 111 people in Kollam in April 2016. They did all sorts of relief activities including the cremation and burial of the decomposed bodies which usually the ‘social workers’ love to hate. Now, in Wayand, the “Chidagni” operations of Sevabharati to cremate dead bodies is appreciated by all. They did the same during the occasion of the aforementioned incidents in 2016 and 2018.
Now, two Sevabhaati workers have already sacrificed their life when they ventured into life-saving-mission in Wayanadu. Both had saved several people from the death. Afterwards they went to the hot spot to see any one was trapped in mud and rocks. Then came the second landslide, both were trapped in it. Prajeesh’s dead body has been recovered while Sarath’s body is still missing. Both are workers from Wayanad.
