By Shadrack Nyakoe
Slum dwellers residing in Nairobi’s Mt. View and the surrounding Kangemi estate celebrated with song and dance as they received free blankets and foodstuffs courtesy of the Ananda Marga Mission and its partners.
Over 3000 residents turned up as early as 4 am to receive an assortment of foodstuffs including bread, milk, bananas, cabbages, and blankets, followed by a free lunch.
Ananda Marga mission chairman, Dinesh Amarga, who acknowledged the challenges faced, urged the government to ensure slum dwellers are provided with basic needs such as food and clothing to sustain them and provide a better future.
Speaking at the mission’s headquarters at Mountain View Estate, Amarga noted the difficulty in sustaining the large turnout every Sunday, which includes elderly men and women and children. He thanked the partners supporting his mission and called for additional support from others.
Various speakers praised Amarga, describing him as a true angel who meets their basic needs. Janet Mumbe mentioned that the Ananda Marga mission feels like their ancestral home.
“We have benefitted a lot from this mission. I don’t know where I would be without Dinesh Amarga. He has been like a father to all of us. We pray for him and are happy that God has stood with him,” she said.
Shivam Niraj Shah of Elite Tools Ltd., a leading partner of the mission, attended the event and donated 500 blankets and foodstuffs. Shah praised Dinesh Amarga for maintaining the weekly food distribution exercise for the slum dwellers.
“We felt it vital to come every week to give back to the community. Today we donated 500 blankets and other foodstuffs like bread, bananas, and milk. We are delighted to associate with the Ananda Marga mission and promise to support their good venture,” observed Shivam Shah.
Amarga reiterated the challenges of sustaining the large turnout every Sunday and again thanked the mission’s supporters, urging others to show their love and concern by contributing to the cause.
Different speakers lauded Amarga, with Janet Mumbe emphasizing the mission’s crucial role in their lives and expressing gratitude for Dinesh Amarga’s unwavering support.