Sangam India Newsletter, June 2009

Hello!

June has been one topsy-turvy month for Sangam India. Before we delve into the intricacies of this month, we must pause to express our gratitude.

The entire team of Sangam India, Chennai would like to thank everyone who came forward to help the inhabitants of the Ramavaram slum. For the uninitiated, a fire consumed the entire slum, minus its dwellers, leaving 400 people homeless.

Our efforts to tackle this challenging situation involved supplying the people with basic necessities, including food. With the clockwork efficiency of the members of the Porur Sai Samithi and the generosity of Vishranthi Trust, more food and clothes were distributed. We thank them for their timely aid and co-operation.

The Government plans to relocate all 110 families to Perungulathur, 25 km from Ramavaram. The idea of parting with all the friends we have made over these months has been debated, denied and finally accepted. Though distance plays devil, we still hope to visit them to implement a few more plans such as health education, malnutrition management and perhaps even a health camp for men, women and children. Two girls, Amudha and Meena, will be accommodated in a hostel in Porur, to ensure a hassle free year of academics.

Our interaction with the inhabitants of Ramavaram has taught us a great deal, perhaps even beyond what we imagined. Armed with experience and good will we now venture into another community - to teach, to learn and empower to excel.

In other news, Sangam India is now on Twitter! Follow us for updates on our work and on other news of interest at http://twitter.com/sangamindia.

Thank you for your time and support.

Rifa Khan

Sangam India.

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