(Salesian College Siliguri) – As floodwaters receded from the Mechi River near the Indo-Nepal border, a convoy of compassion arrived in Kharibari village—not with fanfare, but with food, care, and solidarity. Led by students, faculty, and alumni of Salesian College Autonomous Siliguri, the relief team reached some 250 families cut off for days.
The team comprised nine students, faculty members from the Department of Social Work, the Director of the Centre for Advancement, faculty and members of the Alumni Association, and the Vice Principal of Commerce and Management. Their mission ensured equitable outreach across the village’s diverse communities, including Hindus, Muslims, and Santhals.
After a two-day drive to collect provisions, NSS volunteers and Bachelor of Social Work students assembled 260 relief packets containing rice, pulses, and other essentials. These were loaded onto two pickup trucks and distributed with care and dignity.
The relief materials were generously contributed by Don Bosco School Siliguri, Salesian College Siliguri, and a wide network of students, faculty, and alumni.
The alumni community, in particular, played a vital role by donating substantial quantities of food and hygiene essentials. Their contributions included 1,500 kilograms of rice, 267 kilograms of dal, 500 kilograms of sugar, 267 litres of cooking oil, 267 packets of sanitary pads, 500 packets of biscuits, 300 packets of salt, 400 storage bottles, 267 packets of puffed rice (muri) weighing 250 grams each, 267 kilograms of potatoes, 267 kilograms of onions, and 100 kilograms of green chillies.
“Packing and distributing supplies with our professors and alumni made me feel part of something larger—a community that truly cares,” said Rohan Das, an NSS volunteer.
Distribution began at noon, with volunteers committed to reaching every household. “It was humbling to see how a simple packet of food could bring so much relief. This experience reminded me why we study social work—not just for theory, but to serve,” reflected Priya Sharma, a third-year BSW student.
Local residents expressed heartfelt gratitude. “We were cut off for days. This help from the college means our children will eat tonight. We are grateful to every student who came,” said Rehana Bibi, a mother of three.
Mohan Murmu, a Santhal elder, added, “It’s rare to see young people come all the way here. Their kindness gives us hope.”
Meanwhile, students and NSS volunteers from Salesian College Sonada, the hill campus, are preparing to deliver relief to landslide-affected communities in the Darjeeling hills.
Fr C. M. Paul, SDB
Source: ANS – “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana”