AMRITSAR: The Right Reverend Manoj Charan, Bishop of the Diocese of Amritsar, Church of North India (CNI), and Acting Deputy Moderator, CNI, and his wife, The Right Reverend Neena Charan, Bishop, Diocese of Bhopal, CNI, visited villages Garala, Chak Bala, Sufian, and Dyal Bhatti in Ajnala, expressing solidarity with the victims of the devastating floods that have ravaged Punjab, particularly the border belt of Amritsar.
Moved by the plight of the marginalized, disabled, and elderly flood victims, the diocese has adopted a systematic and comprehensive approach to ensure that none is left bereft of relief and rations, and all are duly covered. “The Lord's table is open to all, irrespective of their faith, ” said Bishop Manoj Charan.
According to Mr Daniel B Das, Secretary, Amritsar Diocesan Trust Association, the diocese has identified the poorest of the poor in need of relief. “All, irrespective of their faith, are getting the same amount of relief material. There is no variance in amount, quality, or kind, nor is any discrimination being made on the grounds of faith, ” he emphasized.
Mr Das further explained, “We are conscientious and have identified the truly needy, the elderly, and the disabled, and have prepared their lists. They will be called to a common place in their respective villages, and relief will be handed over to them directly. Volunteers will visit the homes of those who cannot come, with relief and langar.”
The committees of each village have identified the beneficiaries. Langar is being continuously prepared and served in the villages of Chak Bala and Dyal Bhatti, besides being sent through volunteers to the homes of those who are unable to come and have it right there. Ration kits were distributed in village Sufian, where the village committee organized the relief distribution program.
Bishop Manoj Charan highlighted the significance of langar in the relief efforts. “Langar creates a sense of brotherhood and equality. The Holy Bible bears evidence that the Lord Jesus Christ instituted the tradition of community meals, which was furthered by His disciples and believers through the ages. Our relief efforts are being planned in the same vein and shall be continued till things return to normalcy, ” he said.
The Diocese of Amritsar, CNI, remains committed to supporting the affected communities, exemplifying the power of compassion and community in the face of disaster. Rev Ayub Daniel, Administrator, Diocese of Amritsar, CNI, Mr Om Prakash, Finance Officer of the diocese, Mr Samson Ram, Project Officer, Diocesan Social Empowerment and Education Project, Mr Samuel Bhatti, Treasurer, Mr Alwan Masih, former General Secretary, CNI, Reverend Markus Masih, Bishop’s Chaplain, Mr Sushil Daniel, Legal Advisor, Diocese of Amritsar, CNI, Mrs Mandeep Daniel, Principal, Baring School, Ajnala, Mrs Pravesh and volunteers of the diocese were also present on this occasion.