Jagroop Singh and Rushvinder Singh (Sri Lanka)

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

On Wednesday 26th January 05 (around 9.40am), we visited the Batticoloa disaster zones exactly one month to the hour since the tsunami came crashing in. After observing a minute's silence, we walked around and spoke to families, who had been erecting white flags marking the spots where their loved-ones had perished; these makeshift flags could be seen everywhere along the beachfront.

We visited three beaches (Navallady, Dutch Bar and Thru Chandol) in order to get in-depth accounts of current situations being faced by locals. We spoke to the victims themselves. Their accounts detailed governmental neglect, long-term loss of livelihood and extreme frustration and despair. These accounts were repeated by everyone we spoke to, time after time, along the beachfront.

The major problem facing these Tamil victims is their sense of double-standards being applied; they feel they are being ignored, victimised and totally overlooked because of political issues. Within Sri Lanka there are two main communities: the Singalese in the South and the North and Eastern-based Tamils, who feel ignored because of the tense relationship between the government and the Tamil Tigers (LTTE). As usual, it is the innocent civilian population that suffers; women and children especially. Although Khalsa Aid is non-political and has no bias, these are the views and facts presented to us by local victims and not of the team themselves.

After visiting the disaster zones, we visited three local colleges where families who had lost everything are being temporarily housed. Conditions are appalling; so much so that we were emotionally affected - especially by the plight of the women and children we met. Their courage and general resolve inspires us. The sight of all these people crammed together, yet smiling, playing and helping one another is truly amazing. This is despite the fact that they are living in filthy conditions, with poor sanitation and little privacy. These colleges, which have been turned into makeshift refugee shelters, are not only smelly but also fly-infested; this coupled with the heat makes them unbearable.

However these families are unaware that they will soon be moved to a 'transition camp'. We insisted that we see this location and when we arrived, we were totally shocked at the sorry state of this place. It is nothing more than a derelict and dilapidated warehouse. We now understand why the families are not being told about the move; it's even worse than the colleges. The toilet and washing facilities are very poor and the refugees will be expected to sleep on concrete floors; privacy will be non-existent. In fact, the conditions are not even fit for cattle.

This will be home until Khalsa Aid, in partnership with the local TRO (Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation), erects 500 of the 3,000 semi-permanent huts which may house them for up to a year. The materials needed for these huts are being purchased and supplied by Khalsa Aid. The only problem is that although the shipment has landed in Sri Lanka (Columbo Airport), these much-needed supplies are being held by customs that are being overly bureaucratic.

We are currently trying to apply pressure so that these materials can be released for delivery to Batticoloa, so that construction can begin immediately. Khalsa Aid will also be employing up to 1,000 local victims, including local fishermen who have lost their livelihood, in order to build these huts. This will give them a sense of self-worth and help them and their families financially.

Khalsa Aid will also be supplying desperately needed water-pumps so that bathing and sanitation facilities can be provided.

Waheguru ji ka Khalsa,
Waheguru ji ki Fateh.

From Ravinder Singh at Port Blair

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

My morning started early today at 5am. I have to prepare for the shipment of aid acquired for Campbell Bay and every hour is crucial when you know you're only here for a short period. I am acutely aware of the trust the Sangat has put in Khalsa Aid. We could come here and entrust the delivery of aid to others in the hope that local officials do not squander it. We could also make a few calls to other groups and say that we have networked with them, when in fact all of the work has been there's and not ours. From my experience in other missions in Europe, Africa and Asia, I have learnt that if all I can do is very little, then I have to make sure that that is done correctly. I have to ensure the aid gets delivered to the needy. It is as simple as that. This is the trust the Sangat has placed on Khalsa Aid.

At 8am I met with Kulwant Singh of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle and we began discussing the activities for the day. The main focus was the aid and getting it on a ship for Campbell Bay. Of course, we couldn't deliver all of the aid to the port ourselves, so we hired a truck and some local labour to help us.

By the time we got to the port, we naively assumed we'd be finished within an hour or so. In fact, it took 4 hours in the midday heat to get all of the aid on the ship. Both the officials and the ship's captain were very helpful.

I was scheduled to meet the Governor of the Islands at 5pm. However, he was elsewhere co-ordinating the region's relief work. I took this opportunity to talk with international aid agencies about what they thought was needed. It became evident to me that there are many NGOs and `Umbrella' organizations here that have not heeded local advice, but are using this crisis as an opportunity to raise funds. Sangat ji, I had seen this in other missions, and can see this happening here too. Khalsa Aid always works with local groups. Our experience since 1999 has shown us that the local population knows best about what is needed.

When Khalsa Aid visited Campbell Bay, we were able to talk with many of the locals there. Bibi Gurnam Kaur, presently in an army camp, told us how she had lost so much during an earthquake on the Islands during the 1980s. Her family had not recovered fully from that disaster, only to be hit by this one. Her request was simple: `relocate me to Punjab'. Harjinder Kaur of Gobind Nagar was staying with relatives. Both her house and land had been destroyed. The seawater has made her fields unusable. Parmjit Kaur of Joginder Nagar was also in an army relief camp and told Khalsa Aid that her property was also destroyed.

Most of the aid we acquired was for immediate relief. We've not decided to do any long term work yet. New Delhi has sent geologists to study the Island's topography since the Tsunami. The Indian PM has asked the Punjab government to relocate around 300 Sikh families from Campbell Bay to Punjab. It is clear to me how generous the people of Punjab have been to this distant Island. Both the SGPC and the Punjab government had sent aid immediately. Sant Baba Eshar Singh, working for a group independent of Khalsa Aid, has also assisted them in distributing this aid. I was able to talk to Jaswinder Singh and Roop Singh of the SGPC as I wanted to ensure that work was not duplicated between them and us. It is good to see so many Sikhs working on the Island.

There are many groups here sending out releases about rebuilding the Island, but it is evident that the final decision on this lies with the government. Only temporary shelter is needed in some locations. The local authorities have focused their attention on temporary shelters before the monsoon arrives.

By around 9pm I was able to meet with the Governor. I was also able to liaise with the Lion's Club officials on the Island too. The meeting with the Governor was fruitful. We relayed to him the logistical problems we had had whilst here. It is nice to know that he took the time out to talk to us. We are still looking into further activities on the Island such as sanitation facilities within relief camps.

It is always difficult to give full details of our activities due to hijacking by other groups. We had already made announcements about other groups collecting on our behalf, when, in fact, we are totally independent of these `Umbrella' organizations. Sangat ji, at the moment, our only partner on the ground here is Sri Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle. Whilst we are networking with locals, this activity is to ensure our aid is delivered.

We have made it quite clear. Anyone wishing to know about our activities here in India can contact us directly.

Waheguru ji ka Khalsa,
Waheguru ji ki Fateh. Contact Details:

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Khalsa Aid has been providing Humanitarian and development aid since 1999. This has only been possible due to the generosity of the Sikh Sangat.

Our relief work has been done in both war zones as well as in natural disaster areas. None of the Sevadaars have ever received payment for their time. In most cases, the Sevadaars even pay for their own hotels, flights and food while on aid missions. Whenever we have worked within the vicinity of the Sikh Sangat, we have stayed either in Gurdwaras or with kinded hearted Sikh families.

We are responsible for every penny YOU donate to Khalsa Aid. Khalsa Aid is the only international relief agency to maintain low costs (2- 4% of revenue).

We do not see every operation as an opportunity to raise money, but as a chance to put the concept of Sarbat Da Bhalla and Wand Kay Chakna into a practical reality. There are many charities and organizations that will continuously ask for donations but spend very little of the money collected. I am personaly aware of this going on at present in India with Waheguru as my witness.

Khalsa Aid was formed to offer assistance to the needy anywhere in the world and so far has kept away from the "grab as much money as possible" during human suffering. This is the main reason why we have partnered with Sri Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle as they share these same ideals of the Khalsa. Whilst we are aware of some groups in the region, including political groups and activists, we have not yet formally linked with them.

Of course, we need donations to continue this Seva. YOU, the Sangat, are wise enough to know the aid we have delivered on your behalf to Albania, Turkey, Somalia, DR Congo, Afghanistan and India.

I would again like to thank Bhai Kulwant Singh of Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle for taking the initiative to visit Campbell Island and to let the world know about the plight of the Islanders.

Feel free to call us whilst we are in India on the numbers below.

Ravinder Singh

Waheguru Ji kA Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

From Ravinder Singh at Campbell Bay

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

Sangat Ji, until this morning nobody from the Sikh community knew the extent of the devastation on the Indian Ocean island of Campbell Bay.

Bhai Kulwant Singh of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle and Khalsa Aid, who organised the aid mission to the Sikh Sangat on this island, was extremely upset at the site of utter devastation.

Bhai Kulwant Singh contacted the team in Chennai to arrange for food rations immediately. Since this morning Khalsa Aid/ Sri Guru Singh Study Circle have written and delivered a letter which outlines the sadness and disappointment at lack of support from the Sikh community leaders and the Indian Government have shown to the Sikhs of the island.

There has not been any interest in the Sikhs on this island since the Tsunami but suddenly everyone seems to be getting ready for a photo opportunity or fundraising. Such is the sad state of affairs when publicity and fund raising become priorities over pure relief work.

Khalsa Aid made contact with the islanders ten days ago to try to offer help but it took a long time to organize the trip due to my NRI status.

There are two trucks of food approaching Chennai which Khalsa Aid is trying to charter a special flight to make sure it reaches the Sikh Sangat on the island within hours. In case it's difficult to organize a flight then we will seek alternative fast and efficient transport.

Khalsa Aid/Sri Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle will be involved in offering full support to the islanders to begin the reconstruction of the properties and the Gurdwara Sahib. The reconstruction will run into crores of ruppees and the Indian government will have to be fully involved.

When I reached the Gurdwara at Campbell Bay, I was shocked to see the damage. The Gurdwara is virtually destroyed, with its foundations still flooded. It is with a heavy heart that I also mention the Guru Granth Sahib also has water damage. The main road to the Gurdwara has been destroyed and in the area there are countless families living in camps.

The Sikhs on the Island have suffered in silence but the response from the Sangat should be loud and clear.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

From Ravinder Singh on Andaman Island

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

The Sri Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle (Mumbai branch) and Khalsa Aid have teamed up to travel to Campbell Bay tomorrow morning. This area consisted of many Sikh families before the Tsunami hit, but it is thought to have suffered considerable damage. It took nine hours just to get the flight and permission from the authorities in Port Blair (Andaman Island).

We met many local Sikhs who kept repeating that the Sikh community in Campbell Bay has been treated very unfairly and needed urgent assistance. We will be staying two days in Campbell Bay to assess the long term assistance needed here.

Dear Sangat Ji, the community on Campbell Bay suffered great losses in 1981 from a powerful earthquake which damaged many properties. So for it to suffer again is a massive psychological as well as physical loss. We can only offer hope with your blessings and encouragement. It is vital that they are aware that we will offer them all assistance to get them back on their feet. Khalsa Aid has worked around the globe to provide humanitarian aid and that was all due to your funding. Now we must divert our full attention to the unfortunate families stuck on an island without much contact with the outside world.

PLEASE HELP AND PRAY FOR THEM IN THEIR HOUR OF NEED.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa
Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh