Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Meets Gujarat Flood Victims

 

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar met the victims of the flood-affected regions of Thara and Dhanera at Banaskantha in Gujarat.

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Urges government to ensure that the path of river remains unimpeded

Ahmedabad, Gujarat
10th August, 2017

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar met the victims of the flood-affected regions of Thara and Dhanera at Banaskantha in Gujarat today.

The Art of Living has been working in the flooded areas of Gujarat since 24th July, 2017. Through its volunteer network the organization has so far distributed 1.27 lakh food packets, 15,000 ration kits that can feed a family of four for 10 days, 10,000 blankets and truckloads of clothes in 48 villages and highly affected Banaskantha, Patan and Surendranagar districts. The organisation is now planning sustainable trauma relief and long-term rehabilitation measures as well.

In a press conference following his visit, Gurudev appreciated the efforts of the volunteers who have been preparing and distributing relief packages to thousands of affected people. “We’ll provide trauma-relief programs and take up a comprehensive river rejuvenation project in Gujarat. Floods have happened because catchment areas have been encroached upon.

By planting trees and rejuvenating rivers, such situations can be avoided,” he added.

He urged the government to take all steps needed to ensure that the path of river remains unimpeded

Gurudev also lauded the efforts of the local administration in acting quickly and averting a bigger disaster. The early warning issued by the government enabled thousands of people from low-lying areas to evacuate before the onset of floods.

Visit to flood-affected areas in Gujarat

The Art of Living has been working on several fronts in Gujarat, and has so far trained 2 lakh farmers in organic farming, established seed banks, set up free schools, which have benefited 1500 children and planted ten lakh trees. The organisation has spearheaded several trauma-care and rehabilitation programs previously, such as during the earthquake in 2001 and the Surat floods in 2006.

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