RAMAKRISHNA MISSION
A BRIEF REPORT ON TSUNAMI RELIEF & REHABILITATION
In Andaman Islands, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Sri Lanka
as on 23.01.2005
When Tsunami struck several parts of South Asia on 26 December 2004, causing unprecedented destruction, Ramakrishna Mission launched massive relief operations from the very first day in different parts of Tamil Nadu, Andaman Islands, Kerala and Sri Lanka.
The Devastation
Distribution of Relief Materials in Tamil Nadu
Since then thousands of victims are being served cooked food, dry food materials, medical aid, temporary shelters, clothes, mats, etc. at the various relief camps set up by Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission through their branch centres.
The details are given below:
| Sl. No. | Conducted through our centre at | State/ Country | Areas covered | Items distributed |
| 1 | Chennai | Tamil Nadu | Chennai, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Chengalpattu, Madurai, Kanyakumari & many others | Cooked food, dry food materials, groceries, utensils, dhotis, towels, bed sheets, mats, saris, medicines etc |
| 2 | Port Blair | Andaman Islands | Port Blair, Neil Island & (33 different villages). | Cooked food, dry food materials, drinking water, groceries, clothes, garments, dhotis, saris, blankets, bed sheets etc |
| 3 | Kalady | Kerala | Vypin in Ernakulam district. | Dry food materials, utensils |
| 4 | Colombo | Sri Lanka | Batticaloa (13 camps) & Colombo, | Cooked food, dry food materials, groceries, rice, dal, flour, sugar, blankets, soaps etc |
So far, more than Rs. 1.5 crore has been spent for primary relief work.
The next phase in Ramakrishna Mission’s service is REHABILITATION of the affected people. A survey of their requirements is going on. Steps are being taken to provide new boats (catamarans), fishing nets, and shelters to the fisher folk – the main sufferers in the worst affected areas. Efforts are also being made to rehabilitate children orphaned by the disaster in Andaman Islands.
The Rehabilitation work will be extended further, depending upon the availability of funds. The total cost is likely to exceed Rs. 10 crore.
We thank all those who contributed for this noble cause. We appeal to others also to come forward and help us in this noble endeavour.
All donations to “Ramakrishna Math” and “Ramakrishna Mission” are exempt from Income Tax under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Remittances may be addressed to and cheques / drafts drawn in favour of “Ramakrishna Mission”. Donations may please be sent to:
| The General Secretary Ramakrishna Mission (Headquarters) P.O. Belur Math, Dist.: Howrah West Bengal-711202, India Fax: 91-33-26544346 E-mail: rkmhq@vsnl.com |
The President Ramakrishna Math Mylapore, Chennai – 600 004, Tamil Nadu, India Fax: 044-24934589 E-mail: srkmath@vsnl.com |
22 th January 2005 (Swami
Smaranananda)
Belur Math, Howrah General
Secretary
POINTS FOR SENDING DONATION
FOR
TSUNAMI RELIEF WORK
Please note the following points (1-10) for communication and for sending donations:
Tel. : (033) 2654-1144/1180/5391/8494/9581/9681
Fax : (033) 2654-4346, E-Mail:rkmhq@vsnl.com
2. All official correspondence should be addressed to The General Secretary.
3. You have to mention in a covering letter the purpose of the donation as “For TSUNAMI Relief Work”.
4. All cheques/ Drafts should be issued in favour of 'Ramakrishna Mission'.
5. A/c payee Dollars' / pound sterling /Swiss Franks/Euro – checks are accepted, payable to 'Ramakrishna Mission'.
6. To prevent loss/ theft in transit, it is better to send the check by Registered Mail / reliable Courier.
7. Other channels for remittance :
a) From a Foreign Country:
You can send the donation through State Bank Of India, Overseas Branch, Calcutta, by Swift Code : SBININBB106 ( S B I N I N B B 1 0 6 ) , favouring State Bank Of India, Belur Math Branch code No.4640, for credit to Savings Bank a/c No. 01 1000 50096 of Ramakrishna Mission.
b) From
You can send the donation favouring State Bank Of India, Belur Math Branch code No.4640, for credit to ‘Ramakrishna Mission a/c No. CD 01000050109
8. After swift transfer / telegraphic transfer, kindly inform us your full postal address by E-Mail for sending money receipt etc.
9. After receiving the donation from you, (i.e. after the amount is credited to our A/c) we will send you a confirmation, our official money receipt, and a note that the money will be used for the purpose for which you have sent the donation.
10. It is better to send the remittances to Headquarters, as that would help coordination of relief between Chennai, Chengalpattu, Port Blair in