Munish Sood
MANDI: The Himachal Pradesh unit of the Budokai Karate Association has come forward to provide relief to the residents of the Seraj region in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh who have been ravaged by the catastrophic flashfloods that were triggered by several cloudbursts.
The deluge wreaked havoc across several villages, causing widespread destruction and displacing numerous families. Many lost not only their homes and livestock but also loved ones in the calamity.
While several governmental and non-governmental organisations mobilised relief efforts, the Budokai Karate Association, headquartered in Chennai, distinguished itself through swift and impactful action.
The association’s Himachal Pradesh unit, under the leadership of Mukesh Thakur, was quick to assess the situation on the ground.
Upon learning that two of his former students, Teela Thakur and Nobita Thakur, had lost their cowshed, livestock and home, the association immediately extended a financial relief package of Rs 1.5 lakh to support their recovery.
In a particularly heart-wrenching case, an 11-month-old infant named Neetika, who lost her entire family in the flood, was also provided with financial assistance and best wishes for a brighter future by the association.
Beyond Shikawari, families affected in nearby Drunu and Suraah regions were also supported, with each receiving Rs 15,000 in aid. These contributions were made possible through coordination with the Association’s Chennai headquarters and a group of Delhi Police sub-inspectors, who actively participated in the relief mission.
This is not the first time Budokai Karate Association has made a difference in the Seraj region. Between 2018 and 2020, Mukesh Thakur served as a teacher at Government Senior Secondary School, Shikawari, where he had founded “Team Sabla” to train girl students in self-defence, in collaboration with the association. This legacy of empowerment and service continues today through humanitarian efforts.
