Srinagar: On the occasion of Independence Day, the Indian Army collaborated with Rotary Club Dist 3232 Chennai and Suriya Foundation to distribute Solar Lanterns and Stationery Items among Bakkarwals residing at the Indira Bhaik area of Macchal Sector.
“These nomadic people arrive here every summer from places as far off as Naushera, Rajouri and Poonch with their cattle and live an extremely hard life off the land deprived of basic amenities,” said PRO (Defence) Srinagar.
“In the last interaction with the Bakkarwals on 10 June 2022, they had requested for provision of solar lanterns for their dhoks and tents as also stationery items for their children studying in mobile schools,” the PRO said.
“The Indian Army promptly took note and in coordination, with Rotary Club Dist 3232 and Suriya Foundation the items were provisioned,” he said.
“The event witnessed a congregation of 80 Bakkarwal families comprising 90 men, 52 women, and 48 children amongst which 300 solar Lamps from Rotary Club, Chennai and 100 Stationary Kits from Suriya Foundation were distributed,” the PRO said.
“This outreach program was the first of its kind in the Machhal Bowl which was widely appreciated by the Bakkarwal community and will be a harbinger for further such initiatives for the welfare of this nomadic population,” he added.
