BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in partnership with Hindu Mandir, Sanatan Mandir and Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) has successfully completed the Gujarat Reconstruction for Development Project (2002-2003) in Kutch, Gujarat.
The project included the reconstruction of houses and school rooms, social infrastructure, economic independence through livelihood training and materials, mobile clinics providing free healthcare, and kitchen gardens.
Two programs, traditional house building and mobile clinics, have been extended due to their success and necessity. An agreement was signed on May 5, 2003, by Sanatana Mandir Cultural Center (SMCC) and BAPS to carry out the programs. Financial support was provided by the Gujarati Society of British Columbia (GSBC).
The programs aimed to:
-
To improve the post-earthquake living conditions of Dalits (Harijans) and Schedule Tribe (Koliwadha) affected by the Gujarat Earthquake on January 26, 2001, by building 50 Bhungas (traditional homes) in Jamkunariya and Misariyado. These villages are located in the desert of the Indo-Pak border
-
To render free healthcare services, including medicines, to 26 villages
Results:
-
37 Bhungas constructed and handed-over to the villagers of Jamkunariya
-
13 Bhungas constructed and handed-over to the villagers of Misariyado
-
Mobile clinic reaches 2,500 patients per month in 26 villages
BAPS would like to thank GSBC, SMCC and the people of Canada for their generous contributions to help the communities of Kutch.