The Supreme Master Ching Hai
By Nepal News Team (Originally in Nepalese)
Following Master’s compassionate instructions to bring warmth to those less fortunate, in December 2012 and January 2013 our Association members lovingly conducted relief efforts in remote areas of Nepal’s districts of Salyan and Palpa.
Salyan District
The Raute people are Nepal’s last remaining nomadic tribe, with a total population across the country of approximately 618. In December 2012, a social worker for the community said that approximately 136 of its members living in the jungle were being severely affected by the extreme cold and lacked warm clothing or food. Upon learning this, a team of our Association members from Nepal traveled to the tribe’s home area in the Salyan District of western Nepal to render aid with Master’s compassionate contribution of NPR 259,180 (US$2,979).
From December 27, 2012 to January 1, 2013 our team conducted relief work in the district’s Kajeri VDC* ward No. 4 Ghattekhola where we were able to help 143 Raute people. The relief effort was conducted with the help of the Raute Upliftment Foundation. Seventy-eight blankets, 1,900 kilograms of rice, 38 tents, five kilograms of salt, 10 boxes of biscuits and two pairs of shoes were distributed to 39 families.
When the recipients came to the distribution area, they asked who the relief packages were from. We replied that Supreme Master Ching Hai had provided the items to help them through the winter. They then happily received their gifts, and thanked Master for Her generosity.
Palpa District
The Bote ethnic community of Khanigaun, Dailatung Village, Palpa District was also affected by the extreme weather. On December 26, 2012, Nepal’s national daily newspaper Kantipur published an article reporting the plight of the Bote villagers, who were protecting themselves from the frigid temperatures with the heat of wood fires. After hearing about the situation, Supreme Master Ching Hai made a loving contribution of NPR 47,970 (US$551) and asked our Nepalese Association members to travel to the affected area to provide aid.
On December 28, our relief team traveled to Khanigaun, Dailatung where local reporters and a social worker informed us about transport and delivery of relief supplies.
Once we arrived at the Bote community’s village, our team talked with approximately 14 families, two of which were homeless. The villagers’ traditional work was helping people cross the large Kali Gandaki River by boat. However, a suspension bridge was recently built across the river, so their services were no longer needed and no other regular work was available. Due to this situation, the people lacked funds and were in need of warm blankets and mattresses.
Our team then went to town to purchase the items, and the next day we distributed them. The recipients were sincerely grateful, saying that the assistance had come unexpectedly from someone they did not even know, and thanked Supreme Master Ching Hai for the precious gifts. One social worker said that following Supreme Master Ching Hai’s example, we should expand our love by giving generously to others. A national newspaper and several local radio stations also presented news of the relief distribution event.
One reporter said, “From today forward, the families of the Bote community of Dailatung, Palpa District can sleep in warm beds after receiving blankets and mattresses. The children as well as the elder members of the community all seemed to be happy.”
A 78-year-old man shared with us that the assistance would help save him from the cold.
After receiving the relief materials, another member of the Bote community expressed thanks and said, “Now my children can sleep.”
Our sincere gratitude and appreciation to Supreme Master Ching Hai for Her selfless efforts in aiding the Nepalese people and Her unconditional love and concern for all those in need around the world.
VDC*: Each VDC (Village Development Committee) is comprised of several villages.
Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai
for Cold Weather Relief Work in Salyan District, Nepal
| Description | Amount (NPR) | Receipt |
|---|---|---|
| Tents, blankets, rice, salt, biscuits and shoes | 220,940 | A |
| Transport of goods and bus fare | 24,300 | B |
| Lodging and food | 13,940 | C |
| Total | 259,180 (US$2979) |
Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai
for Cold Weather Relief Work in Palpa District, Nepal
| Description | Amount (NPR) | Receipt |
|---|---|---|
| Blankets and mattresses | 37,095 | A |
| Lodging, food and miscellaneous | 4,305 | B |
| Transport of goods and bus fare | 6,570 | C |
| Total | 47,970 (US$551) |
