Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association relief news update from India.
As this winter’s gravely cold weather and dense fog claimed the lives of over 500 people, among the worst affected were the states of Uttar Pradesh, where nearly a fifth of the 180 million residents are homeless, as well as Jammu and Kashmir, where many roads were closed or blocked due to heavy snowfall.

Following initial reports of the fatally cold situation in early January, Supreme Master Ching Hai had donated US$4,000, expressing her deep sorrow and love as she requested that our Association members go to bring warm blankets and other needed supplies to the most vulnerable.

Upon receiving an update about the extreme circumstances being endured by the region’s people, she said that a total of US$10,000 would be available if necessary.

This amount could acquire US$150,000 in essential materials if purchased in the United States, based on India’s cost of living.

As soon as conditions permitted, our Association’s native relief team first traveled to Uttar Pradesh. There, the local police from Bahraich District assisted in their distribution of 3,000 blankets to the afflicted in the most remote areas.

The relief team then went to Srinagar in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, where they gave out 900 heavy blankets to appreciative residents. We are grateful forthe assistance of the Bahraich District policemen as we also thank Supreme Master Ching Hai for her heartfelt aid extended to those in need, our Association’s
relief team for their diligent endeavors.

Our prayers are with the Indian people for their warmth and comfort and that such bitter conditions are eased through humanity’s gentler, Earth-balancing ways.