200 families were identified in the Gosaba block. The arrangements were made for these families to come to two islands - Kumirmari and Lahiripur - where the relief materials would be distributed. One bag per family was prepared each containing Potato, Onion, Dal, Chana Sattu, Soya Chunks, Spices, biscuits, Mustard oil, soap and a Torch light which they especially requested.

Permission from authorities had to be taken prior planning such a trip considering the pandemic situation and restrictions on travel. We had been allowed on 07th July.

Our first stop from Kolkata was Gadkhali ferry ghat, about 3 hours' drive from Kolkata, where we loaded the truck full of relief material onto the ferry. Our first stop at Kumirmari was another 3 hours away. Although we were slightly behind schedule, so far it had gone as per plan.

We had utilised the sailing time to distribute the bulk material into separate bags. The plan was to visit the village, speak to the villagers and hand out the materials. But the rain gods had some other ideas.

An hour into our journey, the ferry had to seek safe refuge due to heavy rains. We reached our destination more than an hour behind schedule. We were happy to know that most of the people who had been registered did turn up and waited for us braving the rains.

We had to make an unscheduled stop at Palmari island on our way to Lahiripur. This was to distribute to families who could not travel to their designated collection centre at Kumirmari.

It was evening by the time we reached the Lahiripur island where about 100 families waited for us. We had been further delayed due to rains which had accompanied us throughout our journey across the river.

The rocking ferry is not everyone's cup of tea! It had been a rough ride since morning. The delicious lunch provided to us prepared by the staff on the ferry had reenergised us, but it was the greater cause of helping that kept us going. After a short halt of 45 mins where we distributed the remaining material to the waiting families, we proceeded on the final leg of our journey to return to base.

It was almost 10 pm when got off the boat and started our drive back to Kolkata. It had been a long day tiring day. One of the better days we have spent in our journey of the last 12 years. Some memories we will cherish for a lifetime, many stories which we will share.

A deep sense of gratitude fills us as we return and think about these people who struggle everyday just to make ends meet. We also thank our well wishers who have supported and encouraged us to reach out further and touch more lives. In the process, challenge and better ourselves. We hope to keep doing this more often and for many more years to come.