Planting by differently-abled

TURA, AUG 17: The district administration of West Garo hills under the Chief Minister’s Youth for Green campaign and Swachh Bharat Mission took a meaningful initiative of involving the people who are always ‘left out’ whenever there is cleanliness and sanitation, tree plantation and environment awareness programme as doubts are raised whether they would be able to undergo the physical effort of plantation.

However as part of the extended Independence Day celebration inspired by the gritty life full of faith and hope lived by the inhabitants of Lepers’ Colony and Missionaries of Charity in Tura, the district administration endeavored to involve the inmates and differently abled and even some mentally challenged patients in Missionaries of Charity into tree plantation and cleanliness drives with a leap of faith calling them “equal partners”.

“As a part of this initiative 100 saplings were distributed to the about 40 householders of Leper’s colony and inmates of Missionaries of Charity. Bottles of phenyl and implements to help in tree plantation were also provided to celebrate this ‘inclusive’ programme for sanitation and hygiene which was co-sponsored by Swachh Bharat Mission”, said Pravin Bakshi, deputy commissioner of West Garo hills.

The sheer joy of community planting was writ large on the faces of the differently abled partners as they joyfully planted trees. The initiative is inspired by the selfless service of 93-years-old Sister Guadulupe, who has put in an unbelievable six decades for th tireless service to the lepers in Lepers’ Colony many of whom have lost their limbs and live in very difficult circumstances.

“The effort also salutes the efforts and services of Missionaries of Charity Sisters who take care of the old, infirm and homeless as well as mentally and physically challenged with great dedication”, Bakshi added.-From Our Correspondent