CHICAGO: With the help of the Government grant of Rs 12,000 per toilet and balance Rupees 4,000 from donors and well-wishers like Dr Bharatbhai Barai and Shri Chhotabhai Patel, Sahiyaru Abhiyan is marching ahead with the construction of toilets for rural tribal areas of Gujarat State.
Fifty-six toilets are completed and are in active use by the residents and the tribal school children. Fortunately, no training or education is required for the use of these facilities since everyone finds the facilities useful and convenient. Sixteen more toilets are under construction and many more are planned. The target is to provide 1,000 units within the next one year, depending upon the financial help received from donors.
Volunteers of the Abhiyan from India and USA have adopted schools and homes in the Megharaj Taluka of Aravalli District in the northern part of Gujarat near the border of Rajasthan.
A social and humanitarian organization based in Gujarat and in Chicago USA, the Sahiyaru Abhiyan was formed in February 2010 and is registered with the Charity Commissioner of Ahmedabad and is exempt from Income Tax in India. It is also incorporated in the State of Illinois and is Tax Exempt under 501 (C) (3) of the IRS act. The Abhiyan works strictly on donations from supporters and well-wishers.
Among its various humanitarian activities, Abhiyan organizes free monthly food distribution to needy families, provides scholarships and school supplies to students up to college level and makes the families self-supporting. Needy patients are provided with free medical facilities in different locations around Ahmedabad. A group of volunteers devote their time and effort for these services and therefore there is no overhead or administrative expenses except for Government fees, postage and mailings.
With the help and good wishes of all US residents, it hopes to expand its activities and make lives a bit more comfortable for people back home.
Arvind Thakar
