Diocese of Amritsar to launch initiative to tackle social issues

The Socio-Economic Development Programme (SEDP) of the Diocese of Amritsar (DoA), Church of North India (CNI), led by the Synodical Board of Social Services (SBSS) of the CNI, would put in action its special peace initiative to combat illiteracy, drug addiction and malnutrition in the rural areas of Amritsar and Tarn Taran in June.

Hence, in this connection, the first week of June would witness a special peace march and awareness campaigns in Amritsar and Tarn Taran. The diocese’s multi-pronged special peace initiative would focus on countering malnutrition by advocating cultivating highly nutritional and organically cultivated fruits and vegetables in personal kitchen gardens and caring for the environment through tree plantation drives, besides imparting free academic help to students in these areas.

“The diocese has already been working in these areas for the past many years to tackle such issues through its volunteers and free coaching centres across 50 villages of Amritsar and Tarn Taran. However, the ever-evolving social scenario marred by poverty, malnutrition, drug addiction and drop-out rate, requires continuous fortification of these efforts,” said Daniel B Das, who chaired a meeting to chalk out the annual plan in this regard.

Das added that the SEDP’s current focus was on the villages in Amritsar and Tarn Taran, which fell within the category of ‘severely malnourished’ and are also under the grip of drug addiction. “The diocese has posted volunteers here, who work among people of all ages, especially children, to educate and bail them out of the morass of illiteracy, narcotism, malnourishment and the resultant health problems,” he said.

The initial sample of the diocese comprises 2,500 people, though the project aims at reaching out to a wider public as it strives to bring about a lasting change in the lives of local communities.

At the heart of this endeavour is a multi-faceted approach that includes awareness campaigns, seed and fruit plant distribution and tailored support to families based on their needs. Recognising the importance of nutrition, the Diocese is working to identify families that require nutritional support, while others will benefit from fruit plant distribution.

Reiterating the diocese’s commitment to establishing peace through its social, academic and health initiatives, the Right Reverend Manoj Charan, Bishop, Diocese of Amritsar, Church of North India, said the diocese is working tirelessly to create a healthier, more educated and empowered community through these initiatives.

Amritsar