GPS Sahi

Thank You for responding and for your empathy and concern. The Central Government is doing and I am sure will do all it has to but there is a crucial need for civilian support groups, NGOs and individuals with means to do their part. When the Gujarat earthquake devastated Gujarat, NGOs and civic support groups made a lot of difference. Similar was the case with the recent Uttarakhand floods.

Here is what I humbly propose:

1. As rightly pointed out by Vijay, we could start by establishing an OCA Relief Fund – one that (after this calamity is behind us) could then turn into a permanent Relief Fund to be used in national disasters and natural calamities that hit the country. This could be the OCA’s response mechanism in times of national distress.

2. While attempting to establish a fund, we should simultaneously chart out a course of action – our agenda – what the OCA can do. It is important to have clearly defined goals and choose specific areas where we can help rather than trying to do everything. For instance, we can focus on supplying chlorinated water cans, medicines and bedding or we could ask the OCs in Punjab and Haryana to help in sending food and ration.

3. We would need to create a team with delegated responsibilities – who looks after what. There would be the need for a Treasurer (OCA Treasurer could curate the Relief Fund), a Logistics In-charge with associates in major cities where the OCA can rally support, someone to take care of paper-work, an auditor and a general team that would plan the entire effort. I’m just sharing ideas as they come to me.

4. Once there is a plan of action, a core-team and a structure to the proposed effort – we will need to get in touch with every OC we possibly could – here the OCA mailing list or mailing lists maintained by the school could help.

There could be added city-specific OC get-togethers and dinners that would act as fund-raisers. We could involve young Cottonians at school with the support of the school management to aid this effort and also get involved in an activity that would inculcate an on-ground spirit of service in the time of adversity in them.

I express my gratitude to my batch-mate Sushmit Prabhudas (Ibbetson 03) and the OCA President Mr. B. M. Singh for helping in getting this appeal out. I also request Mr. B. M. Singh to help in coordinating this effort.

Yours truly,
Junaid Azim Mattu
L – 03

Help will be must usefull now and in the immediate.

I will be happy to send in my contribution please advise details.

N.K. Akers

All sympathy to those affected by these calamities.