Livelihood

The story of displacement is often told in numbers, but for Manglalven, 33, it is told in the faces of his three children and the ashes of his former life. This is his experience of loss, survival, and the fierce determination to rise again.

“My life has been forever changed by the violence that ravaged my village. I was a private school teacher and a driver, living a peaceful life with my wife, Kikim, and our three children: Manglalsonlian, Mangminthang, and baby Kaplemsang.”

The Day Everything Burned 

“The unthinkable happened: our village was burned to the ground, leaving us with absolutely nothing. We became part of the countless internally displaced persons (IDPs) forced to flee. The 20km trek was grueling, but we pressed on, driven only by the hope of finding safety. We spent four uncertain days at the YVA-AR camp before finding refuge at the IDP Youth Hostel Relief Camp.”

Finding Strength in the Shelter

The reality of camp life is harsh—a relentless test of spirit:

“The conditions are difficult. We have no private rooms or privacy; all families share space, and food is rationed. Sanitation and healthcare are extremely limited. But we were alive, and that was everything.”

Despite the lingering trauma, Manglalven and Kikim are determined to rebuild their family’s foundation:

• Kikim joined a tailoring training program to develop new, essential skills.
• The Children are attending Hope Academy, thanks to OSF’s support with their fees, books, and uniforms. “Seeing them learn and grow gives us strength,” Manglalven shares.

Manglalven has since found work as a driver in a Self-Help Group, bringing a vital measure of stability. Yet, the daily struggle continues: inadequate shelter, limited healthcare, trauma, anxiety, and the continuous lack of privacy disrupt their family routine.

“Our children deserve a brighter future. We will face each day with courage, knowing that we are not alone. Thank you for helping us keep their education alive.”

— Manglalven, 33, IDP and grateful father.

The word “Zil” (often found in the context of Zeliangrong communities) can refer to a lineage, clan, or root, symbolizing connection, origin, and continuity. For a displaced community, this meaning is particularly powerful, representing the hope of maintaining their roots despite displacement. In the face of conflict, the physical and emotional toll on displaced communities is immense. Our initiative, Project ZIL—a name that echoes the Manipuri concept of roots, lineage, and continuity—is focused on supporting the health and strength of families striving to hold onto their identity and hope.

Restoring Health Through Nutrition Support

Recognizing the urgent need to address the basic nutritional requirements of displaced families and children, OSF stepped up to provide a vital, consistent source of protein in the camps.

The simple addition of an egg—a power-packed source of nourishment—makes a significant difference in a displaced person’s diet. We are currently implementing this Egg Distribution program across six different camps, providing one egg to every individual once a week.

While our current resources allow for a budget of approximately ₹30,000–35,000 per month for this program, this weekly distribution is a profoundly welcomed change. It provides essential nourishment for all residents, and its impact is most critical for the healthy development of children and the well-being of pregnant women in the camps.

Project ZIL is not just about distributing food; it is about reinforcing the health of a community, helping them maintain their physical strength while they await the chance to re-establish their roots.

When disaster strikes, the immediate aftermath can be the most devastating. At OSF, our mission is to provide timely, vital support to communities facing unforeseen crises. Following the massive floods in Tamil Nadu and the recent unrest in Manipur, our rapid intervention provided crucial assistance, care, and resources to alleviate immense suffering.

Responding to the Deluge: Flood Relief at Chennai and Thoothukudi

The end of 2023 brought catastrophic weather to Tamil Nadu, severely impacting the lives and livelihoods of thousands.

Chennai’s Stalled City

In early December 2023, Cyclone Michaung brought unprecedented downpours to Chennai. The severe flooding brought large parts of the city to a standstill and resulted in widespread destruction, causing significant losses for thousands of families.

Thoothukudi’s Record Rainfall

Just weeks later in mid-December, the Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) region was ravaged by an extraordinary weather event, receiving an astounding 93 cm of rainfall in a single day. This extreme deluge caused widespread, severe damage.

Our Intervention

In the face of this widespread destruction, we immediately mobilized our relief efforts. Our support was specifically designed to reach the most vulnerable, including daily wage earners, women, individuals with disabilities, and those whose livelihoods were abruptly halted.

We provided dry rations to approximately 500 affected families. These packs were carefully curated to last 7-8 days and contained essential items necessary for survival, including:

• Staples: Rice, wheat, rava (semolina), cooking oil, spices, onions, and tamarind.
• Essentials: Sugar, salt, tea, biscuits.
• Hygiene & Care: Soap, detergent, and sanitary napkins.

Our response ensured that families did not have to worry about finding their next meal while dealing with the immediate chaos and loss caused by the floods.