Paralakhemundi: The terrifying memories of Titli are still fresh in the minds of people of Odisha, especially Gajapati district. Just two years ago, the Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Titli had left a trail of destruction in this southern district and had orphaned many children. Gajapati Collector Anupam Saha, known for his humane approach in dealing the natural disaster, on Saturday visited five children, who had lost their parents in Titli, and spent nearly two hours with them.
The soft-spoken and dynamic Collector, who had set examples in rescue and relief operations in the aftermath of the natural disaster, brought cheers in the orphans.
He distributed sweets to the children and ate with them. Not only this, the Collector played cricket and badminton with the children.
He talked to each of the children extensively and listened to their problems very compassionately. He promised them to provide all sports and study materials they need.
The Collector expressed his utmost happiness when he got to know that one of children was selected for Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya after qualifying the entrance test.
Incidentally, the Collector’s visit takes place just two days ahead of two years completion of Titli.
In the early morning of 11th October 2018, the Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Titli made landfall over Odisha Andhra Pradesh border and left a trail of destruction in the area under it. Gajapati district was one of the severely hit districts in terms of loss of lives and property.
The aftermath saw a swift action by the Odisha Government and district administration for relief and rehabilitation.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had personally visited the affected the areas in the district and interacted with some of the children, who were orphaned by the disaster.
The CM had announced the State government would take care of all such children.
Accordingly, the Gajapati administration took steps to rehabilitate the children and provide them a happy life.
Six orphan boys are currently staying at Vivekananda Residential School and an orphan girl at the Nabajiban Blind and Relief Centre, a child care institute at Paralakhemundi.
There are others too who have been rescued and rehabilitated by the Gajapati administration and living a secured life today.
The steps taken by the administration have given a second life to the orphaned children.
The administration’s efforts to fulfill Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s promise to help the orphaned children is really commendable.
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