PANJIM: What is common between few NRIs (SULEKHA bloggers) two middle class families in Goa and Chief Secretary of Goa, Mr.J.P. Singh? They help you celebrate the spirit that is India as they come ahead for a common cause -- to help a poor family in Latarbarcem, Bicholim. They have ensured that they fill the family's life with hope and have lifted them from a life of helplessness and despair.
Dispersing all notions of territorial nationalism and chest-thumping bigotry that accompanies it, these people were moved by the plight of a poor Dhangar family in the remote village of Bicholim, which appeared in GT/Weekender (please refer to the edition dated October 15). The manner in which these people came forward to help the family deals with its myriad problems, makes one's heart with swell with pride and fills one with a sense of belief in democracy. Who are these people who went an extra mile to bring smiles on the faces of the Jani and her family?
SHARING WAYS
Rupert Rodrigues from Cansaulim and Selwyn Menezes from Aquem went out of their way to help the family. Born in middle class families, both work hard to earn their bread and butter. While Rupert has a driving school, Selwyn is a musician. After the reading, how each member in the family sustains on Rs 7 a day, that is if they are lucky they came ahead to help the family, because "we are much better off than them". Selwyn gave a cheque of Rs 5000 and Rupert gave 12 post-dated cheques of Rs 1000 each.
OVERCOMING BORDERS TO HELP
Touched by the article, few Indians in USA and other parts of the country, after reading the story got together to economically rehabilitate the family. They have collected approximately $1000, that's nearly Rs 50,000 to help the family become economically independent. In well-known Goa based environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar's words, "This is real India". After all humanity makes you an Indian and connects you with other human beings.
CHIEF SECRETARY SHOWS THE WAY
What several letters couldn't achieve, one phone call from Chief Secretary J P Singh could achieve. After reading the story in GT/Weekender, Chief Secretary asked the North Goa Collector to submit a detailed report. The Collector in turn directed the Deputy Collector and Sub Divisional Officer and Mamlatdar, Bicholim to immediately visit the family and inquire into the matter. The end result: Jani's three disabled sons -- Rajendra, Tukaram and Laxman-got the benefit of the Government's Dayanand Social Security Scheme and their Bank account was opened in State Bank of India on November 24, 2006.
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BY PREETU NAIR
An earlier version of the article appered in Gomantak Times, Panjim edition, Goa, India-
preetu.nair@gmail.com
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