Prarthana Kendra Centre Flood Emergency

Santaji is a lay missionary who has lived with his family in the village of Belewadi in the heart of the state of Maharashtra for 40 years, where he founded the Prarthana Kendra Centre for dialogue and inculturation. This centre has become a point of reference for several villages in the area, for its training programmes, inter-religious meetings, prayer vigils, and the reception of the sick, with two doctors (Registered Medical Practitioners) who offer their services free of charge. The number of patients varies according to the times and seasons and can reach up to 50. The Centre also sends patients to various nearby cities for major treatments and in some cases pays the related expenses, partially or completely, if necessary. No patient bears any expenses for treatment and visits. Unusually heavy rains – never seen in over forty years – have devastated the city of Kolhapur and the surrounding villages. Several hundred people have lost their lives and thousands of others all their belongings. To make matters worse, livestock drowned and crops were washed away. The Centre was severely damaged and caused flooding inside the hall. Temporary repairs were made to prevent water from entering. The main roof beam needs to be replaced as it is in danger of collapsing and causing the entire structure to collapse. The wall on the western side was also severely affected by the force of the rains. Cracks have formed in the wall where water is coming in. The wall has been weakened and is unsafe. Total project cost: €10,699.18 Protagonists: Around 1,850 people from 47 surrounding villages, who participate in the Centre’s activities