Being a young Community Resource Person, Mansai Saunta works for Asana and Kerimity Gram Panchayats of Kundura block, Koraput, one of the tribal operational districts of CYSD. During the lockdown period owing to Covid-19 pandemic, Mansai was actively involved from selection of beneficiaries to distribution of relief materials under Integrated Farming System program, in partnership with Ford Foundation.

Respiting from relief work, Mansai shares, “COVID-19 has affected the whole world. Our region is no escape, not much because of Corona pandemic but due to the lockdown declared by the Government. Following the outbreak, people in our place were in fear and doubt of life; the ultra-poor and people from the lower income strata suffered miserably; and the health and human resource became standstill. But, the timely support of CYSD in terms of dry food & consumable packet along with hygiene kit helped them survive for two weeks or so”.

Followed by the relief work, Mansai has been actively involved in organising number of awareness campaigns in both the Panchayats on maintenance of social distance, hand wash practice, use of mask, staying at home, maintaining hygiene and cleanliness around to combat COVID-19.
“I am indeed thankful to CYSD team for giving such a platform to work as a frontline soldier, helped me learn from them and be a part of the noble work meant for the people in need,” says Mansai delightfully.