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Life was difficult for all of us here as the West Bengal Government continued to extend the lockdown for two full months of May and June. Here we are experiencing the “second wave” of Covid-19 pandemic. So many people, hundreds and thousands have lost their lives. Poor and middle class were badly affected as they could not afford basic treatment. There was acute scarcity of beds in the hospitals, oxygen cylinders, ventilators, lifesaving medicines, ambulances and so on. In deed it was shocking and heart breaking to see so many dying without treatment and without human dignity. The images we saw in the media of mass burial and mass cremation and even floating dead bodies in the rivers were very disturbing and have left lasting impression on the minds of the common people. Comparatively less mortality but still many have died in Darjeeling district. We lost one of our young and courageous member of our community due to Covid-19, Fr. Mangal Kerketta SJ. He was actively involved in distribution of relief materials to the poor and needy. He used to go door to door even in the remotest villages distributing relief materials. Even during the lockdown SASAC continued its normal activities with the help of our coworkers. The absence of Fr. Sandeep was felt very much as he was out for a month and half for a spiritual renewal course in down south. He returned safely and full of life on 10 May. He had very adventures journey back due to lockdown. I thank all our friends and well-wishers, far and neat who stood by us in this difficult time. I thank all our donors who generously contribute to help us to continue our work for the poor and needy.

Fr. Pramod Dabhi

I) CHILDERN’S ONE DAY RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMY ON 1 APRIL 2021. 58 children and 9 coordinators from St. Paul’s Parish came for one-day residential program. This program was organized to give children a spiritual orientation. They were encouraged to spend time in silence and meditation at the same time appreciate the gifts of nature through awareness and observation. They were happy to see so many different types of trees, vegetation, plants, flowers and animals. Fr. Pramod gave a talk on “Healthy Living” with emphasis on eating healthy food and avoiding “Junk food”. He emphasized on the importance of outdoor activities as well.

SASAC – NEWS (April – June 2021)

SASAC, Sepoydhura, Tung P.O., Kurseong – 734224, Darjeeling District, West Bengal, India. Email: sasac.sojasi@gmail.com

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II) SPIRITUAL ORIENTATION PROGRAM FOR YOUTH On 9 April Fr. John Kennedy, who is in-charge of the youth ministry organized one-day spiritual orientation program for the young boys and girls who value the importance of psycho-spiritual growth as becoming fully human. It was done through well designed sessions. 18 young people from St. Paul’s Parish, Kurseong took part in the event.

III) CACTUS CORNER, A NEW ADDITION TO SASAC

As there is a demand for the cactus and succulent plants in the hills SASAC has started a small section to enhance the floriculture activities. At the moment we have started with some 23 varieties of cactus and 33 varieties of succulent plants. This has become a great attraction for the visitors. IV) STRAWBERRY

All of at SASAC were pleased to taste the first crop of our own strawberry. Since it was the first crop it was distributed among the coworkers and well-wishers. Next season we expect to have more fruits for us and also to sell in the market. V) SUPER NAPIER GRASS:

SASAC has introduced a hybrid Super Napier Grass as a supplement to the animal fodder. It is believed that it has 15-20% protein components and good amount of carbohydrates and minerals as well. This tall and easy growing grass is derived from merging the Elephant Grass and Pearl Millet. SASAC planted over 2000 saplings. SASAC will promote and distribute the grass saplings among the villagers free of cost. This will help the farmers to reduce labor and the cost on fodder significantly and at the same time increase the milk production. Super Napier will be planted in the vacant forest land as well. This will also help protecting the forest as people cut down small growing trees and other plants to feed their animals. VI) MEDICAL SUPPORT TO THE NEEDY SASAC has opened seven centers to distribute free medicines and conduct basic medical tests for the poor who have no access to medical facilities. Some of them have no money while others are afraid to venture out and get infected with covid-19. This free medical assistance is organized in collaboration with St. Joseph’s, Darjeeling. Hundreds of poor people from the remote villages have benefited from this program.

(Getting ready for medical mission)

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VII) ASHA WORKERS’ TRAINING PROGRAM FOR YOUNG LADIES SASAC is pleased to inform that it has submit the proposal

for the District Training Centre (DTC) for the ASHAs for

Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. This is a Government

program for “Mother and Child” and Ashas are the young

ladies from rural areas trained to implement this program to

every village. Once they are trained the Government will

pay them remuneration according to their performance.

SASAC will take total responsibility of providing residential

based training. We intend to provide training to about 200

trainees every year coming from Kalimpong and Darjeeling

districts.

The main tasks of the Asha workers include motivating rural

women to give birth in hospitals, bringing infants and

children to immunization centers, treating basic illness and

injuries, keeping demographic records, improving village

sanitation, promoting health and hygiene, surveys and so

on.

Along with specific training as Asha Workers the trainees

will be additionally benefiting by other trainings already

existing at SASAC based on agriculture and animal

husbandry.

Fr. Pramod had several meetings with Mr. Samden Dukpa,

the executive director of health. Mr. Dukpa also inspected

the campus and the facilities at Woodcot and was very

much pleased with the infra structure.

At the moment the proposal is sent for the approval of the

State Government. We are hoping for the positive reply.

(Meeting with Mr. Samden Dukpa at Woodcot.)

VIII) PROVIDING WORK FOR DIGNIFIED LIVING In the meeting held on 10 June the Jesuit Community decided to accommodate as many people as possible and provide work on a temporary or contract basis. Due to the pandemic and lockdowns many families are going through acute financial crises. Many men and women are searching for work to feed their families. So far nine such persons are given jobs to make their living in a dignified way. In the course of time some more people might join the work force. Some families are also supported with relief materials. IX) WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY / TREE PLANTATION

Like every year this year too SASAC celebrated the World Environment Day on 5 June. This time due to strict lockdown we had tree plantation activity in the campus itself. All the staff members planted several saplings of varieties of trees. The tree plantation work will go on throughout the monsoon season. The tree plantation includes fruit bearing trees, timber trees, flowering trees, fodder trees and berry trees. Eco diversity is kept in mind to accommodate large varieties of trees. This will also help in our efforts of preserving many birds’ species, butterfly and insects. On this occasion there was a Holy Eucharist for the staff and a festive lunch for all. X) REPAIR AND MAINTAINANCE WORKS There has been some repairs and maintenance works going on at Morning Star Hostel, Chimney and Woodcot. At Morning Star water connection pipes were badly damaged in the monsoon but now it is restored. Some repair works on the ground floor of the hostel was carried out as well. At Chimney the green house and the drainage system was repaired. Piggery was also modified and repaired. At Woodcot the tin roof was repaired and painted. The dining hall looks good after painting. Two minor landslides were also attended in order to avoid further land erosion.

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XI) MORNING STAR HOSTEL Due to the lock down children were forced to stay mostly indoor. However, they were busy with the online classes. Thanks to newly installed Wi-Fi and internet system. It works better. This will help students in their online studies. On April 19 Eden Ruth had her Lamp Lighting Ceremony, an important event in the life of a nursing student. Cecilia was present for the occasion. Eden and Monica also were back in Morning Star due to the lockdown.

XII) DISTRIBUTION OF LIVESTOKE SASAC distributed chickens and pigs to the interested farmers. Some of the farmers who received the piglets earlier were able to sale the pigs with good price and are coming back for more piglets. This year we have procured 65 pigs and piglets of good quality to help the farmers. Similarly, we have supplied chickens to some families to start their own home based chicken yard with few chicken for their own use or to earn their living. Mr. Bernard Sinchuri from Maharani village who had no proper job has started his own piggery in the back yard with six piglets from the profit he got by selling the pig. He keeps thanking us for supplying good variety of piglets.

XIII) ORCHID ATTRACTION

The word “Kurseong” in Lepcha language means the land of white orchid. SASAC has a small but good collection of Orchids of 18 different varieties including white orchids. All our visitors appreciated the orchid collection we have and drew lots of attention of everyone working here. We intend to multiply them to sell in the market. XIV) KALIJ PHEASANT BIRD A number of Kalij Pheasant birds are seen very often in Woodcot. This species was very common but now it is on the verge of extinction in this area. We have to be lucky to see them. SASAC will take all the necessary steps to help these birds to provide them with natural habitat and food as part of our conservation efforts. Welcome home Kalij.