KAILASA

Disaster Relief Efforts

January 2012

In January of 2012, a devastating cyclone hit the region of Pondicherry leaving residents without access to food and clean water. In response, The SPH launched a full-scale relief effort, providing clothing, food, clean water, medical supplies, and structural support. For 10 days straight, The SPH Himself worked on ground, supporting and healing the people. The relief efforts had two phases – a short term and a long term.

The short term focus was on providing hot nutritious food daily, where many people did not have the facilities to cook for themselves. A mega kitchen was set up in the disaster zone. Pondicherry government officials sought the help of KAILĀSA to expand the services to other affected zones. In response, KAILĀSA enlisted 25 trucks to deliver hot food to affected areas. The SPH personally oversaw that water tankers were also sent to villages without clean water supply.

Along with this, medical supplies and assistance as well as clean clothes and bedding were provided for the people. At the request of the local government, the Agni Vamsa Pallava Sarvajnapeetha Sāmrājyam issued clean up services around the region, using heavy machinery to clean up storm debris.

Most appreciated of all was The SPH’s physical presence. Day and night for those 10 days, The SPH sat to heal the people as they came to visit one by one. After such devastation, the people were most looking for hope, courage, and spiritual strength, which only The SPH could provide. The SPH visited communities in their villages, ensuring their needs were met and blessing them to recover from the damage in all levels.

For the long term, the Agni Vamsa Pallava SJP collaborated with the local government to provide support for the people, who were left without electricity for more than a month and whose homes were damaged. Through The SPH’s international network of millions of devotees, funds were raised to continue the relief efforts. The people of Pondicherry still today hold The SPH near and dear to their hearts for the overflowing love and compassion He showered upon them in their time of need.

Teams transport fresh, hot food to remote areas affected by the cyclone

The SPH blesses victims of the cyclone who came to the camp

Volunteers assisting people who need medical care