Where there's a will, there's a way!

Jay Parkhe, in charge of TNT’s CSR activities in this emerging economy, did not have to think twice. In previous years TNT had already helped with two other natural disasters in their country: the 2004 Tsunami and the Bihar floods in 2008.

A team of 12 West Bengal TNT employees was arranged, covering all aspects of the relief activities. This month logistical help will be given to the World Food Programme by delivering 150 tons of high-energy biscuits to the more than 40 small islands affected by the tropical storm.

Secondly, three local aid organizations with a large network of skilled volunteers were contacted (Ramkrishna Mission, Bharat Sevashram Sangha and Milan Tirtha). It was decided to start a joint medical aid operation. The non-government organisations hired doctors, paramedics and volunteers and treat villagers that are now suffering from numerous diseases. TNT provides the financial means for the medical personnel and commits to purchasing and transporting the medicine. The latter proved to be challenging, since most villages can only be reached by boat, motorcycle or foot. 

In addition, all 2,000 Indian employees donated half a day’s salary or more to the Aila relief fund. During the last weekend of June, the first relief camps were held at the badly affected Sundarbans mangrove forest area. Local TNT staff was present to help by overseeing the transport as well as registering patients. The same operation was repeated a weekend later, with members of the Calcutta regional management team helping. Within 4 days, more than 1,815 patients in 7 villages could be treated against diarrhoea, tropical skin diseases, gastritis, cold coughs and body ache. Badly flooded areas were provided with mosquito nets in order to prevent Malaria.

TNT is willing to repeat these relief camps in the coming weeks. The 12 employees in charge of this Aila relief showed enormous commitment. Managed by CSR Director Jay Parkhe and supported by the Regional Manager Rajiv Ranjan, all colleagues invested a lot of time in getting this project off the ground whilst keeping their daily work running. As the main driver and initiator Rahul Adhikiari says: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”