LDFK’s Tribal Treasure 2.0: A Journey of Compassion and Service to Karkata Village

On Sunday, 6th October 2024, the LDFK (Long Drive For Kindness) team, led by our esteemed President Sukhendu Chakraborty, embarked on an extraordinary journey to Karkata village, located in the remote Keshragarh region of Purulia district. This was not just another drive; it was the culmination of months of planning and heartfelt dedication, part of our Tribal Treasures Drive 2.0. With over 40 vehicles and 80 LDFK members, we set out with two primary goals: to experience the thrill of driving through a remote village and, more importantly, to serve the indigenous community in Karkata by providing them with much-needed support.

The LDFK Vision: Service Through Action

At LDFK, we believe in not just organizing meets or socializing, but in fulfilling our social responsibilities and giving back to the community in every possible way. Our motto, “For all, we are for everyone”, is a guiding light in all our efforts. This year’s initiative was no different, and the primary aim was to bring joy to 400 indigenous families living in poverty in the region.

Karkata, a village with a rich history, was once the site of a bold uprising against the British by the King of Keshragarh. Today, the villagers primarily rely on small-scale farming, livestock, and working on others’ fields for survival. Most families live below the poverty line, and government aid is their only source of support. For them, even basic necessities like new clothes and a hearty meal are a luxury. This realization fueled our team’s resolve to make a meaningful difference in their lives.

Prepping for the Journey

The journey began the day before the main event, with our team members arriving early to oversee the arrangements. On Saturday, our honorary president, Sukhendu Chakraborty, with his dedicated team, arrived in the village to ensure that everything was in place for the next day. We had meticulously prepared 400 packets, each containing new clothes like saris, kurtas, salwars, and children’s outfits. Our goal was simple: to ensure that each packet met the needs of the families in the village, providing them with dignity and warmth.

The Drive and Village Interaction

The next morning, our team arrived with 40 vehicles and 80 members, all eager to carry out the day’s mission. As we drove through the rugged roads leading into the village, the thrill of exploring a remote, untouched part of India was palpable. Upon reaching the village, we were greeted by the curious and enthusiastic villagers, eager to see what we had brought for them.

While some team members took charge of cooking the midday meal—rice, dal, vegetables, chicken curry, sweets, and papad—others began organizing the distribution of the clothing packets. The sense of community was overwhelming as men, women, and children lined up to receive their gifts. Each packet was given with love and respect, and in return, the villagers offered their blessings, their smiles lighting up the entire village.

In addition to distributing clothes, our team also interacted with the villagers, learning about their struggles and resilience. We spent time with the children and elders, listening to their stories, and sharing their joys and challenges.

A Heartfelt Meal and Distribution

By 11 a.m., with the arrival of the remaining vehicles from Kolkata, we began the distribution of the 400 packets. The villagers received their gifts with gratitude, each face lighting up with joy. As the day progressed, the primary school students in Karkata performed traditional indigenous dances, adding a cultural touch to the event, and reflecting the spirit of the community.

By 4 p.m., we had successfully completed the distribution and shared the midday meal with the villagers. Everyone—young and old—enjoyed the hearty meal, and the sense of fulfillment in the air was overwhelming. Our team, after ensuring the villagers were taken care of, also sat down for a meal together, reflecting on the day’s work and the joy we had brought to the community.

A Day of Pride and Gratitude

As the sun began to set, bathing the village in a golden light, the villagers waved goodbye with gratitude. Their warm wishes for our return next year echoed in our hearts, and we left knowing that we had made a real difference in their lives.

This journey, this experience, was more than just an event; it was a celebration of humanity, a testament to the power of kindness and community. The success of Tribal Treasures Drive 2.0 would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our honorary president Sukhendu Chakraborty, the unwavering support of our team members like Chandan Da, Mukut Da, Arun Da, and many others, and the cooperation of the LDFK community as a whole.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed, whether by providing funds, donations, or simply offering moral support. Your generosity and spirit of solidarity have made this initiative a resounding success. We are deeply moved by your participation and look forward to continuing this work in the future, standing by those in need.

As we reflect on the success of this event, we are reminded of the powerful words: “For the service of all, we serve the divine.” Let this be our guiding mantra, as we continue our mission to serve and support marginalized communities across India. Together, we can create a better future, one step at a time.

Join Us in Our Journey

At LDFK, we invite you to be a part of this incredible journey. Stay with us, stand by us, and let’s continue to make a difference together. #LDFK is not just a group; it’s a movement of love, kindness, and service.