Books & Brains library readers aid IDPs
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 13 2023: Readers of Books & Brains Library, Keishampat reached out to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) by distributing financial assistance amounting to Rs 1,51,937, which the readers raised through voluntary contribution and donations from generous individuals, to inmate of five relief Camps on November 5.The relief camps where the assistance was dispersed include Moirang Konjengbam Leikai community hall, Moirang Shribon Leikai community hall, Wangoo Sellungkhong Upper Primary School, Wangoo Chingonglei Makhong Nongyaikhong and Thangalawai Awang Leikai, Khongnang Makhong, all in Bishnupur district.

Prior to the distribution, a team of Books & Brains Library visited eight camps and conducted thorough assessment of their condition.

Subsequently, they engaged with IDPs to identify specific needs, ranging from essential medicines tailored to individual health complications, to educational materials such as books and school uniforms, as well blankets, baby carriers, and fortified milk for infants in view of the mothers facing issues in breastfeeding.

Joining force with the initiative, staff and students of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Chingmeirong, contributed 40 and 10 blankets for the IDPs at Moirang Konjengbam and Shribon camps, respectively.

Following the visits to the five camps, it is said that a remaining balance of Rs 10,990 from the total fund raised will now be utilised to extend support to other relief camps yet to be visited.

Among the newly purchased items are 50 blankets, 250 warmers, 77 sweaters, 32 pairs of shoes, 22 books for Class 11 & 12, 24 notebooks, 31 school socks, 194 adult and children socks, 6 containers of mother's Horlicks, 12 formula milk packets, 100 sanitary pads, 11 different medicines totalling 227 units, two footballs, 12 chess boards, five sets of needles and threads, 16 'ningtha', two baby carriers, and five varieties of snacks for children.

Additionally, 60 sacks of used winter clothes, three sacks of used shoes, eight new blankets, 12 used blankets, new tarpaulin, and numerous books, along with 24 ludo boards were also received as donations.

Nikita Thounaojam, a reader from Books & Brains Library, expressed elation over the enthusiasm and willingness of the readers to participate in such an important cause despite their busy schedules while Oinam Urmila Chanu, another reader in the same library, stated, "The tragedy still lingers in the lives of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Please show some empathy, listen to their stories, and help them in whatever way you can to console them.

A little compassion on our part gives them hope that they are not alone" .

"Monetary contributions poured in from Manipur and outside the state, cutting across religion and race.

However, it was not enough.

Over 30 ardent readers of Books & Brains Library set aside their studies, volunteered, formed different teams with donation boxes, and visited over 1300 shops and more than 25 government and private offices over a period of five days.

They raised an extraordinary sum of Rs 1,17,425," said Ringo Pebam, one of the volunteers.

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