An ‘unforgettable experience’ of working in Amphan-hit Sunderbans

After Cyclone Amphan ravaged Kolkata and parts of Bengal almost a fortnight ago, project Ghoramara – an initiative by designer Abhishek Roy to help the victims – is going places. A number of people have joined Abhishek in his endeavour. One of them is Turni Dhar, a professional and an active member of this project. Talking about her experience, she told us, “Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans. Amphan has shaken our lives and changed its meaning. The horrifying scenes all over in its aftermath choked me. People were left homeless and starving. So, I joined hands with a friend to collect saris for the victims. But somewhere I felt the need to reach out to them in person.”
Turni, who has known Abhishek for his work and followed him on social media, got in touch with him. “I joined his team and he gave us a list of things that were needed. And trust me, help poured in from every corner. I have always believed in miracles but I actually saw one happening for the first time as we got support from all quarters, including cash. My friends from school, social media -- many of whom I have never met in person -- came forward to help. We arranged for food packets and clothes,” she said.
It was Abhishek who identified Ghoramara island in the Sunderbans, which needed immediate aid. With the able help of Sagar Police, he made his plans along with 32 others in his team. “The island’s banks have been severely eroded and according to scientists, the island might just disappear. The land is very fertile and that is the sole reason the residents are not willing to relocate. However, Amphan has already wrecked it,” Turni added.
Makeup artist Sunetra, director Bidula and many others are part of this project. “We catered to more than 2,500 residents of Ghoramara. There were two food packets for each of them. It comprised dry food such as muri, cheere, milk powder, sattu, biscuits, besides soaps, candles, matchboxes, etc. We also provided ration, bottled water, sanitary napkins, medicines, baby food, etc. We had a dietician, Bijoya, in our team who gave proper instructions to the Anganwadi workers with regard to the health of all the women residents there. The villagers felt happy since no one went empty-handed and they were given the option to choose their clothes. It was a moment of euphoria. The kids came running and so did the elderly. They chose what they wanted, tried out a few, giggled in the midst of all that, and left with what they exactly needed. Someone had also donated soft toys and the lucky ones who received them couldn't contain their excitement. They came up to thank us. Their eyes spoke of gratitude for receiving the aid. Those moments were priceless,” shared Turni.
Describing her experience further, she said, “I noticed that the kids there have a very tough life. They don’t have access to proper food, clothes or education but they have no greed. Maybe they have been tuned to live with bare minimum. I remember a 7-8 years old boy wearing a top meant for girls. My designer friend Suchismita's keen eyes didn't miss it. She immediately got him a T-shirt from the pile of clothes. The kids gave back clothes that they thought would not fit them and also made it a point to pick up clothes for their siblings. Someone came and said: ‘I have a sister, do you have something for her?'. I was touched. As we were leaving, the kids waved at us and also gave us a thumbs up to us for being there. We came back with sunburn and headache but with a lesson well learnt. It was an unforgettable experience. We all realised the privileges we enjoy and felt so grateful for all that we have. We will continue our mission.”’