Migrants from Nagaland find a safety net in Bengaluru

Volunteers of the Naga Task Force for Nagaland (NTFB) who has been working in collaboration with Sunbird Trust to provide essential needs for needy stranded Nagas in Bengaluru. 
 

BANGALORE, MAY 19 (MExN): Many stranded people from Nagaland in Bengaluru have found a safety net in the form of help from an NGO called Sunbird Trust in collaboration with the Naga Task Force for Bangalore (NTFB).

A press release from the Naga Students Union Bangalore (NSUB) President, Mughato Kiba said that as with migrants everywhere, people from North East India at Bengaluru have been badly affected. The worst impacted are those in the unorganized sector and those working in small enterprises like saloons and restaurants. 

At best, most had very little disposable income, especially after sending home whatever little savings they had. Post the lockdown and missed salary cheques there was still rent to be paid and food to be put on the table. Without ration cards, in an unfamiliar cultural environment and far from the security of family and home, many found themselves in a desperate situation. 

The NSUB however said that residents of Bengaluru, the state Government, police and local NGOs have stepped up to provide help. 

At the forefront of those that have come to aid is Sunbird Trust, an NGO working primarily in the North East, but registered in Bengaluru. 

Dr Sonal Sethia, COO of Sunbird Trust stated that several nodal organizations representing the North East diaspora at Bengaluru approached the NGO for assistance. Since April 3, the tust has through its volunteers distributed over 70 tons of rations for over 12,000 North East people. 

“Last mile delivery to the doorsteps of needy folks trapped in their residences due to the curfew was possible only through volunteers armed with passes. It was due to the excellent network of Naga Task Force Bengaluru (NTFB).” 

The NSUB President meanwhile stated that Sunbird Trust has proactively reached out to the entire affected North East community at Bengaluru. Members of the NTFB team fanned out across the city to deliver the rations to people who could not venture out. He said that thanks to the endless supply of rations from Sunbird Trust, NTFB was able to get dry rations of rice, dal, oil, sugar, salt and other consumable for over 2000 Nagas in Bengaluru city and its suburbs. 

While it was physically impossible to reach 100% of those in need, a determined effort was made by NTFB to bring relief to maximum people.

Sethrichem Sangtam, Sunbird Trust’s Advisor for Nagaland informed that the trust is currently sponsoring the education of over 3,100 children in the North East out of which over 400 are in different districts of Nagaland. 

The trust seeks to provide education for underprivileged children in conflict affected areas of North East India thereby empowering them with future employability. It has currently built (or is building) 7 schools and 8 hostels (including a floor for Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home on NH 39) in NE states. 

Last year, Sunbird Trust contributed 300 blankets for children in various homes in Nagaland. It is now seeking to increase its presence in the state, especially in remote areas of the border districts. 

Retired Army Colonel Christopher Rego, founder-CEO of Sunbird Trust who has served over 8 years in North East India, said that it was only natural that Sunbird Trust reached out to the needy NE folks in his own hometown Bengaluru. 

He lauded volunteers of organizations like NTFB which for their strenuous efforts at considerable risk to themselves. 
The press release meanwhile expressed gratitude to organizations that donated the rations – Prestige Foundation, Azim Premji Foundation, Caring Friends (Mumbai), XLRI Alumni Association, Bengaluru Jesuit Education Society, Life Trust, Akshaya Patra and Diya Ghar and among others. 

At a time when there is uncertainty about job security and availability of funds to pay for rent and food, the NSUB President expressed confidence that organizations like the NTFB and Sunbird Trust, along with the city’s residents and the government will come together to help those in need.