Temple runs free kitchen for survivors, locals pitch in
SPURRED BY THE SERVICE OF GOEL AND HIS TEAM, LOCAL RESIDENTS ALSO CAME FORWARD TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE EFFORTS.
KHATAULI: Residents of this small town set an example of selfless service to humanity after the accident of Utkal Express on Saturday evening as people assisted in rescue work and provided food and shelter to passengers, policemen and rescuers.
Sudhir Goel, president of Sri Jharkhand Mahadev Mandir in Shivpuri locality near the accident site, opened a langar (free kitchen) on the temple premises for survivors.
“More than 500 passengers and other people have taken food at the langar since Saturday night,” Goel said.
Spurred by the service of Goel and his team, local residents also came forward to contribute to the efforts. Goel said people donated milk and volunteered to help in the langar in all possible ways.
A member of the committee, Pankaj Bhatnagar, said a group of Muslim youths from a nearby locality volunteered in the free kitchen.
Besides providing food, Goel and his team helped passengers return to their homes by providing them money for tickets.
The volunteers also made mobile phones available to pas- sengers to help them communicate with their relatives.
Goel, who is also the treasurer of Mandi Dharamsala in the town, also directed the staff to open all rooms for the free stay of policemen, paramilitary forces and rescue team members.
“They are doing service to humanity and it is our duty to take care of them,” he said.
Goel said the money spent by them on langar and other works would be collected from the members of the committee.
“We have not approached the district administration for help as the officials are already busy in relief and rescue operation,” he said.