By Md. Saddam Hossain Roni, past president, Rotaract Club of Dhaka Orchid, Bangladesh, and a Rotaract adviser
December in the Gaibandha district of Bangladesh brought not only the crisp bite of winter, but also a tragic incident that left the local Santal tribe without homes. A devastating fire swept through their settlement, leaving them exposed to the unforgiving cold. In the spirit of Rotary’s commitment to service, the Rotaract Club of Dhaka Orchid and the Rotaract Club of Purbasha Plus embarked on a mission to provide winter clothes and essential medicines to these homeless tribal people.
The initiative took shape through the collective effort of various local organizations and Rotaract Clubs, including Rotaract Club of Aarong, Dhaka, Dhaka North East, Dhaka Platinum, Dhaka Royal, Gazipur Banarupa, Kadamtala Dhaka, Mahanagar Dhaka, Mahanagar North West, Metropolitan Dhaka, Purbasha Plus, Rajdhani Sonargaon, Ramna, Rangpur Central, and Shataish Gazipura. The generous support extended further with contributions from the Society for Humanity and Development Over the World (SHADOW), the Rotary Interact Alumni Association of South Asia, and a team from Ullash Academy.
We began by purchasing winter clothes and medicines for about 1,000 people. The coordination this required from the various Rotaract clubs and organizations exemplified the true essence of community service.
Armed with our supplies, a team of 25 individuals set out from Dhaka to Gaibandha. Because the latter is in a rural area and security can be a concern at night, we waited until sunrise to assure safe passage. When we reached Gaibandha, tribal warriors armed with their local handmade weapons provided protection and guided us to the villages. The tribal leaders played a crucial role in organizing the orderly distribution of clothes, ensuring that every person received some.
The gratitude expressed by the tribal people resonated deeply with our team, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. This mission was not just about providing physical warmth; it was about kindling the flames of hope in the hearts of those who had lost so much.
As I reflect on this journey, I am reminded of the power of collective action and the effect a compassionate community can have on the lives of those in need. The Rotaract clubs and partnering organizations demonstrated that when people come together for a common cause, they can create positive change – even in the most challenging circumstances.
Emboldened by the results of our effort, the Rotaract clubs involved plan to extend our humanitarian efforts to other areas of Bangladesh. We hope this will serve as an inspiration for others to join the journey of service, proving that even in the coldest of times, the warmth of humanity can shine through.
https://blog.rotary.org/2024/01/11/warmth-in-winter-a-tale-of-compassion-and-community-service/