5 Sept 2008, Purnia, Bihar

After the massive flood in Bihar, which has left half the state underwater, Amma asked me to go and scope out ways in which the Ashram can help.  Brahmacharini Rasamarita Chaitanya was similarly instructed by Amma.

I arrived in Patna on 2nd September and met with various IAS officers. They were very impressed with the relief-work the Ashram has done in the past—including 2004 tsunami and floods and earthquakes in Gujarat and Mumbai. A meeting was held with disaster-relief government officials. They agreed to give us maximum assistance with our relief efforts.

On 3rd September, we went to the worst affected areas of Madhepura, Supaul, Saharsa and Araria, visiting the government relief camps, many of which were converted schools and government buildings. Hundreds of thousands of people have lost everything. Some also have even lost near and dear ones. Many only have the clothes on their backs.

More brahmacharis and doctors and nurses are arriving today. I will write more soon.

Sadashiva Chaitanya