Madikeri/Mangaluru: A sense of happiness overshadowed the woes of tragedy for a moment as the team from Centre for Integrated Learning and Hakuna Matata from Mangaluru reach Cherambane Relief Camp in Coorg on Sunday, August 26 to celebrate Raksha Bhandhan in a unique manner.

“We had forgotten everything as we are fighting hard to recover from the tragedy that has struck our district. Thank you for reminding us that today is Raksha Bandhan. This gesture of your team indeed brings hope of better days ahead”, remarked Ramesh Subbaiah who has been personally heading the relief operations in the camp along with dedicated Panchayat officials, members and the village youth.

There were emotionally touching scenes as CIL members tied Rakhis to inmates of Camp and distributed sweets to mark the occasion. They shared the Harrowing stories of nature’s fury that unfolded right in front of them. They also shared their experiences in the relief camp and wondered about their future.

The team then left to affected areas to distribute relief materials like groceries to the needy daily wagers and others who have been badly impacted due to loss of jobs and adverse weather conditions.

Executive Director of Centre for Integrated Learning Sachitha Nandagopal, Cherambane Gram Panchayat President Ashoka, Lions Club Mangalore Bejai office bearer Zeeta D’Souza among others were present on the occasion.

By Srinivasan Nandagopal