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Thursday, March 28 2024
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Light in the darkness: Food comes in ORBIT for the poor in North Karnataka

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orbit 11042020 09Kalaburagi: The lockdown that was imposed on the country on March 25, as a measure to contain the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), has been especially devastating to daily wage workers, the poor and migrant workers.

All over the country, we have seen images and videos of their struggles- to go back home, finding food, earn a living.

In these dark times, their ray of hope and sunshine has been kind-hearted souls giving them free food and rations. Several NGOs all over the country have stepped up to help the less fortunate and make their lives at least a little bit easier during the lockdown that has now been extended for another two weeks i.e. April 30.

orbit 11042020 13One of the organisations helping the poor and the needy during these tough times is ORBIT (Organization of Bidar Integral Transformation), a social development wing of the Diocese of Gulbarga.

Headed by Fr Anil Crasta (Director) with seven Trustees, ORBIT mainly focuses on four areas- (a) woman empowerment, (b) integrated child development (child rescue and education from child marriage, child labour, abuse etc.), (c) community-based inclusive development of physically-challenged including the mentally ill and HIV affected and (d) protection of environment and promotion of traditional organic cultivation.

During the lockdown, however, this organisation has expanded its scope of work and have begun serving the food and essential supplies to the poor and needy.

ORBIT has been distributing food kits to nomads, people on streets, the physically-challenged, mentally ill, HIV Affected, and people in slums.

orbit 11042020 17“So far, ORBIT has distributed food kits to 1350 families. Each kit costs Rs 800,” Fr Anil told Newskarnataka.com.

The organisation has also distributed cooked food to over 500 people in different places and has been spreading awareness over the phone and WhatsApp. “We have contacted 436 villages and reached 7846 people so far,” he added.

To help prevent the people from contracting COVID-19, ORBIT has also been making and distributing face masks for free. These masks have been made by the women of Self Help Groups, 7000 of which have been distributed in villages.

Speaking about the additional work being undertaken by the organisation, Fr Anil said, “We have plans to start counselling support for post COVID-19 and also give funds to women and the physically-challenged for income generation activities like rearing of goats, sheep, cows, chickens or for petty shops and businesses like making of rotis, pickles etc.”

orbit 11042020 16ORBIT operates in Bidar, Kalaburagi, Vijayapura, Yadgir and in most backward parts North Karnataka. They have been supported by contributions from individuals, nuns and priests and Caritas India.

Asked what message he had for the people, Fr Anil said, “The Bidar, Kalaburagi, Vijayapura and Yadgir districts are backward in many ways. The people here are daily wages and very poor. It’s a drought-affected region and a no industry zone. We do not have any other source of income in the Diocese and there aren’t many donors as we are in the interior region. We do grassroots-level work and help those who are deserving and needy.”

ORBIT aims to distribute food kits to at least 3500 families but lacks the funds to do so. They have asked for donations so that they can continue their good work and reach as many families as possible during the lockdown.

To donate to ORBIT, use the following details:

Bank Holder: Director of ORBIT
Bank Name: Pragathi Krishna Gramina Bank
Bank A/C No: 11092100003929
Bank Branch: Humnabad
IFSC Code : PKGB001192

Donations to ORBIT are eligible for tax deduction under section 80G. Donors must inform Fr Anil Crasta on 7847977779 after transferring the funds and must give their name, address and PAN no. as per the government’s regulations.

Website: www.orbitbidar.org

Light in the darkness: Food comes in ORBIT for the poor in North Karnataka
Light in the darkness: Food comes in ORBIT for the poor in North Karnataka
Light in the darkness: Food comes in ORBIT for the poor in North Karnataka
Light in the darkness: Food comes in ORBIT for the poor in North Karnataka
Light in the darkness: Food comes in ORBIT for the poor in North Karnataka
Light in the darkness: Food comes in ORBIT for the poor in North Karnataka
Light in the darkness: Food comes in ORBIT for the poor in North Karnataka
Light in the darkness: Food comes in ORBIT for the poor in North Karnataka
Light in the darkness: Food comes in ORBIT for the poor in North Karnataka
Light in the darkness: Food comes in ORBIT for the poor in North Karnataka
Light in the darkness: Food comes in ORBIT for the poor in North Karnataka
Light in the darkness: Food comes in ORBIT for the poor in North Karnataka
Light in the darkness: Food comes in ORBIT for the poor in North Karnataka

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Andrea Noronha

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