12/10/2025
Standing Together in Times of Crisis | MBKS Relief Mission to Chandramaan Dhura, Rungmook Tea Garden
On October 4, 2025, the hills of Darjeeling trembled once again under the fury of nature. Torrential rain unleashed devastating landslides, leaving trails of destruction across tea gardens and villages. Among the hardest hit was S***a Gaon in Rungmook Tea Garden, Sonada, where 29 families were forced to flee their homes and take refuge in a temporary relief camp set up at a local primary school at Chandramaan Dhura, Rungmook TE, after their entire village became unsafe and unstable owing to a massive landslide that occured at the top of village and destroying a house completely in the process. When the news reached us, Team MBKS immediately mobilized to stand by the affected families.
The Journey of Compassion
On 10th October, Team MBKS, reached Siliguri and packed relief materials weighing more than 3 tonnes in two pick-up vans. The vehicles carried food essentials like rice, dal, sugar, salt, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, chickpeas, soyabeans, along with tarpaulins, medical kits and other daily necessities. They reached the relief camp after sunset.
We travelled to the site today. The journey was long and difficult — roads were slippery, some blocked by debris, and the air was heavy with mist and grief. Yet, every turn of the mountain reminded us why we were there — to bring hope where it was fading. Each packet symbolized more than supplies — it was a message of love and solidarity from one hill family to another.
At the Relief Camp
We were received by RJ Sagar Sagar Rai and Mr. Pawan S***a, the local content creator whose videos bought awareness about the plight of the villagers to the masses. The sight inside the relief camp was heartbreaking. Families who once lived amidst the serenity of tea gardens were now sheltered in a primary school, surrounded by gloom and uncertainty. Children clung to their parents, and the elderly sat quietly, staring at the land that once held their homes.
The local volunteers had unloaded the materials and organized them in a systematic manner in a storeroom the day before. An elderly woman whispered, “We thought we had been forsaken… thank you for coming.” Those words will stay with us forever.
Humanity in Action
For MBKS, relief work isn’t charity — it’s community in action. We believe that when one part of the hills suffers, the rest must rise to help. While distributing aid, our team spent time with the children at the camp — playing, laughing, and listening to their stories. In that small moment of joy, amidst so much loss, we saw courage and resilience shining through.
We spoke to the victims in the camp. We helped them wipe their tears, literally and figuratively. Theirs were stories of gloom and despondency. We also met with local community leaders to assess what more could be done in the days ahead — from food security to shifting them to new houses in another safer location.
We also visited S***a Gaon, the epicentre of this mishap. Walking through a deserted village felt like a scene from an apocalyptic movie. Prayash, the only son of the family that lost their house in the landslide, narrated the ordeal of his family on the fateful night with a heavy breadth. We could only listen with an even heavier heart.
We were then shown around the various landslides that had occurred in the adjacent village of Basnet Dhura by its residents. The loosening of the soil has made it precarious for the residents to live there any further.
The Power of Togetherness
This mission was made possible by the collective strength of our supporters — our members, donors and well-wishers who never hesitate to lend a helping hand. Every contribution, every encouraging word, and every moment of trust fuels our work. A huge shoutout to Kolkata Gives Foundation who have helped us reach the needy in every calamity since the pandemic. Your compassion travelled through every mountain road and reached every family that needed hope.
As we left Chandramaan Dhura this evening, the sun was dipping behind the misty hills, and the sky had turned golden. The air was cold, but our hearts were warm — filled with the quiet satisfaction of having served, and the determination to keep doing more.
Moving Forward with Hope
The families of S***a Gaon have shown us what true resilience looks like. Despite their losses, they hold onto faith, helping one another rebuild their lives from the ground up.
MBKS Trust stands with them — not just today, but in the days ahead. Our work continues as we plan further support for those still in relief camps and for the rebuilding of homes once the weather clears.
We invite everyone — individuals, organizations, and well-wishers — to join hands with us. Together, we can ensure that no family in Darjeeling faces disaster alone.
Every act of kindness matters. Every helping hand heals.
Together, We Rebuild. Together, We Rise. 🌿
Mukh Bandh Kaam Suru (MBKS) Trust
📍 Darjeeling Hills
“Less Talk, More Action.”
