Karnataka sets up special cell to help COVID-affected people of Northeast

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Karnataka government set up a special cell in Bengaluru for the Northeastern (NE) persons who have been affected by COVID-19 pandemic. The government officials and police have teamed up with local NGOs and citizen groups to reach out to the migrants. Organizations like Bangalore Mising Society of Assam (BMSA), Assam Society of Bangalore (ASOB), TMPKB, Bangalore Bodo Welfare Association (BBWA), Bengaluru Karbi Society (BKS), Bengaluru Garo Society (BGS) and Bangalore Tiwa Community (BTC) have formed action groups that are providing rations to the affected people in a timely manner. However, the organizations are struggling with resources.

In these times, Sunbird Trust, a Bangalore registered NGO working primarily in North East India came to the rescue of thousands of needy people. Deepak Payeng, President of the BMSA stated that he was amazed after the Sunbird Trust reached out to the Society to provide assistance.

The BMSA conducted surveys to locate the neediest and calculated the assistance required. Accordingly, tailor-made ration kits were made available for distribution by volunteers. Few Vehicle passes during the curfew were arranged by Sunbird Trust with the help of the Bangalore Police.

Founder and CEO of Sunbird Trust, retired Army Colonel Christopher Rego says that Sunbird Trust works with a motto of Peace through Education. It seeks to provide education to the underprivileged children in remote parts of North East India. The trust currently sponsors over 3,300 children out of which over 800 hail from different parts of Assam, mainly Majuli Island. 

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