Since its establishment in 2019, the Balgovind Road Nadawa Satsang Ramayan Mandali has been dedicated to philanthropic efforts, especially in difficult times.
Following the Shri Krishna Janmashtami festivities, the mandali responded to a request for assistance from a former teacher at St Minas Children’s Home in Votualevu, Nadi, focusing on supporting the 23 children living there.
The mandali provided a donation of $200 along with around $1500 worth of groceries to help the children, who are between the ages of 2 to 17.
Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, the mandali secretary, emphasized that their organization adheres to a strict non-discrimination policy, ensuring that support is provided without discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, or color.
“We plan to return in January next year and donate stationery and backpacks to the 23 kids who are in school,” Mr. Lingam stated.
He explained that most of the funding came from friends and family members living on Balgovind Rd and abroad, with many overseas relatives feeling a sense of duty to support their homeland. “The support from the donors was tremendous,” he added.
The mandali has also provided assistance to families across Fiji, even in the northern regions, delivering food packs and water bottles during natural disasters.
After Ram Navami, the mandali members contributed $200 to both the Fiji Cancer Society and WOWS Kids Fiji, which is an initiative they carry out annually.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the mandali played an essential role in aiding families throughout Fiji, including in remote areas.