The monsoon failure in Tanjore, Thiruvarur and Nagapattinam Districts in Tamil Nadu has resulted in a very severe drought. Chennai Sri Ramakrishna Math took up primary relief service to alleviate the sufferings of farmers, at least to a meagre extent. Some of the most affected villages were selected and service was started with the help of Sri Ramakrishna Seva Samithi, Tanjore and Vivekananda Seva Samithi, Thiruvarur.

1. Primary Phase:

i. It was decided to distribute 18 Kg rice per family. The Relief service started on 17 January ended completing the primary phase on 2 February as per the following details.

No. of families : 5492 (from 32 villages in all the 3 Districts)
Total Quantity of Rice : 90.5 tons
Total cost : Rs.12.5 lacs

Besides rice, seven of the families who had lost a member of the family owing to the drought were also given cash assistance of Rs.2000/- per family (Total Rs.14,000/-).

ii. The villagers seem to have lost all confidence. To revive their confidence was an immedi ate necessity. So, special puja and offerings were made to the local deities, congregational prayers were arranged for rain, as rain is the ultimate solution for the alleviation of suffer ing of the villagers. The villagers were briefed about the necessity of education to over come such drought and other natural calamities.

These all created a deep impression upon the villagers. When a reporter from "Kumudam Reporter" interviewed a woman on her way back after getting the rice, she remarked, "Together with rice, they give valuable advice so necessary for us".

2nd Phase :

Though we have done the primary relief, a permanent solution has to be found so that the villagers do not suffer from the vagaries of the weather year after year. It was found that if we can help the villagers with alternate jobs, by introducing small scale or cottage industries, or training them in some field, they will be able to earn their livelihood. So, Nursing Assistant Course for Girls, 2-Wheeler Mechanic Course and Printing & Binding Course for Boys are thought of. Accordingly, counselling was conducted for the candidates. They were briefed about the necessitiy of education and the future prospects of such courses. This was followed by individual interview. Then selection done.