Day 3 (12/09/08)
Destination is Forbesganj, which is not as affected as other districts like Madhepura, Supaul etc. But as Bank of Baroda is having good presence, it has been selected by me. Train from Patna reached Katihar at 12:00 am around 4 Hr late, Mr Mani Bhushan, Branch Manager of Katihar Branch was over there to receive with hired taxi along with my cousin "Ankit" who hails from Katihar. Me and Ankit left for Forbisgunj at around 2:00 clock on taxi which reached "Araria" district at around 3:30 pm on the way. There was pleasant surprise lying ahead- State highway - 4 way lane without any "gaddha" , taxi continuously running on 80-100 km speed. Hats off to "Nitish" Govt. Taken breakfast with "Arraria" Branch staff at and then proceded for Forbisgunj. Plan was to have brief meeting with Govt officials and affected people in relief camp to assess the situation and leave back for Katihar by 8'00 pm, so that tomorrow(13/09/08) morning train to Patna can be boarded. But……. After reaching Forbisgunj branch at 5:00 pm, Mr Prakash, Special Assistant of our forbisgunj branch met and convinced us completely that if we have really come to assess the ground situation, then leaving by 8:00 pm would be equivalent to just touch and go. Thereafter we decided to stay there for one night and next day by 1:00 clock, we plannecd to leave for Katihar. and accordingly got the existing ticket cancelled for Patna and new reservation of 13th evening train(Capital Exp) for Patna from Katihar. Me, Prakash and Ankit left for the District Relief Control Room to meet with the Govt officials. Prakash introduced Mr Suman Kumar (9431438409), Officer of Bihar Administrative Service, who is *nodal officer* for NGOs, groups providing the relief. *Another good change!!* Meeting him corroborated fully that the Govt is working effectively as told by many in Patna. He listed us the short term requirement at this moment as follows: Books, Slates, Pencils, Children Games, bright children cloth etc as food is more then abundantly available now. Met with BDO(Block Development Officer) Mr Ajay Thakur (94318 18317) who is implementing officer for coordinating relief material in "Farbisgunj District". His dedication again corroborated about the effectiveness of the Govt. Reached back to the f'gunj branch by 8:00 pm, had discussion about how BoB can immediately contribute to provide the books, slate etc. Called our Bihar Zonal Office in-charge and got the appointment to talk to him tomorrow at 9:00 am. As every room of hotels were booked, Mr Prakash offered his own home to stay. During stay various points related to flood has been discussed in detail with Prakash, which broken many myths towards local public support, about Govt etc (related details , will be shared through separate blog). Bank of Baroda is fortunate to have staff like Mr Prakash. (His contribution in relief, will be shared through separate blog), further reinforced my belief " *Proud to be Barodian*". My sincere thanks to Mr Dahiya (Chief Manager – Bihar Zonal Office) and Mr Anil Gupta (Chief Manager – Bihar Regional Office) for associating people like Prakash , Mani Bhushan with me in this journey. Cheers Anand Lakhmani 94316 62281 98191 28191 (Mumbai no) -- Anand Lakhmani Senior Manager - IT, Risk Management Dept, Bank of Baroda Corporate Center, Mumbai - 51 Ph : 98191 28191 -- Anand Lakhmani Senior Manager - IT, Risk Management Dept, Bank of Baroda Corporate Center, Mumbai - 51 Ph : 98191 28191
