AOL's Spread the Warmth campaign continues
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 05 2024: Continuing its "Spread the Warmth" campaign which seeks to mitigate the hardship of a chilling winter faced by people displaced by the ongoing conflict in Manipur, the Art of Living (AOL) on Thursday distributed warm clothes to nearly 400 children taking shelter in Temporary Shelters located at Sawombung and Sajiwa in Imphal East district.

Volunteers of the Manipur Chapter of the international NGO inspired by globally-revered spiritual leader Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar handed over hoodie sweaters to around 200 children at Sawombung and another 180 children at Sajiwa, said a release.

Deputy Commissioner of Imphal East District, Khumanthem Diana Devi joined the distribution at Sawombung along with SDO Sawombung Surma Thiyam and other officials.

AOL's Spread the Warmth campaign continues

Speaking on the occasion, Kh Diana exhorted the conflict survivors to keep a positive frame of mind and face the challenges with hope and determination.

She also encouraged them to engage themselves in constructive and income-generating activities.

Appreciating the campaign of AOL, the DC requested the representatives of the NGO to explore the possibility of conducting stress management and yoga workshops to ensure mental health and hygiene of the residents.

Brahmachari Dixon, a senior faculty of AOL, urged the residents to focus on their wellness, maintain cleanliness to ensure good mental health and a harmonious atmosphere.

Maintaining that mental calmness is very critical at this juncture, he assured that the AOL is ready to conduct various workshops as when the residents are committed to make time for it.

He advised the resident not to lose hope despite the challenges and keep faith that things will soon change for the better.

Program coordinator and a full-time volunteer of AOL, Rajaque Rahman narrated how the campaign which initially started to cover a few children of a relief camp has now grown and so far provided nearly 1000 blankets, 1000 woollen shawls for ladies and 1600 hoodie sweaters for kids thanks to the contributions from its vast network of volunteers across the country and support from The Art of Living Trust (TAOL) Bangalore.

He also urged the residents to exercise regularly to ward off illnesses and live together with belongingness.

Notably, "Spread the Warmth" campaign is part of the AOL's ongoing #Anouba Yakairol initiative and has so far covered 26 relief camps and two temporary shelters apart from extending financial support to initiatives that cater to the educational needs of displaced students.