Presented by: Diptanshu Auddy, Student President, BDM International School
On the 6th of October 2024, as part of the collaboration between the Interact Club of BDM International and the Anti Hunger Squad Foundation, I had the privilege of representing BDM International, alongside my classmate Kumar Raj, in a flood relief initiative at Udaynarayanpur, Uluberia, Howrah district.
We were escorted by Mr. Debashish Banerjee Sir. Our mission was to provide essential supplies, including food packets, clothing, and toiletries, to the flood-affected victims of the village. The day began early, with our reporting to school at 6:00 AM. After loading the trucks with supplies, we commenced our journey at 7:00 AM. The ride was smooth, and we enjoyed light snacks along the way, stopping near Bagnan for a brief breakfast before continuing our trip.
Upon arrival near the village, we were required to cross a river by motorboat to reach the final destination. All goods were carefully transferred onto the boats, and we proceeded to the
village. Though the floodwaters had receded, the impact of the disaster was still visible. Many families were still struggling with the aftermath of the calamity.
Once we arrived, we quickly set up our stalls and began distributing the supplies. The range of items included food packets, clothes, toiletries, and chocolates for the children. The initial distribution went smoothly; however, as more people gathered, there was a surge of chaos.
Some individuals began returning multiple times to collect goods, creating an atmosphere of disorder. To prevent such situations in the future, I recommend preparing pre-packed goody bags ahead of time to ensure a more organized distribution process.
Additionally, through conversations with the villagers, it became clear that their most pressing needs were not biscuits or cakes but essential items such as rice, pulses, oil, clothing, and toiletries. This valuable feedback will guide future relief efforts to focus on the real needs of the affected communities.
Despite the challenges, the event was a success. The villagers expressed their gratitude, noting that this was the first time they had received relief directly, as political leaders usually intercept such supplies. Our efforts ensured that every individual received their fair share, and it was heartening to see their satisfaction.
After concluding the distribution, we began our return journey, enjoying a delightful South Indian meal on the way back. The day also included the memorable experience of spotting dolphins during the boat ride, adding a sense of wonder to an already impactful day.
This initiative provided me with a unique perspective on community service, and I am deeply grateful to my school for involving me in this noble cause. It was not only a learning experience but also an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society.
