Guwahati: When flood relief came to Chumoni village in Assam’s Charaideo district, it arrived with scissors, razors, combs and beauty kits.With floodwaters receding but thick layers of mud and silt still cutting residents off from the outside world, a haircut, a shave, eyebrow threading or a beauty treatment has become an unlikely form of relief for more than 2,000 men and women in Holophukan panchayat’s Chumoni village in Mahmora constituency.The unusual initiative was organised by BJP MLA Suruj Dehingia, who brought in a team of 18 beauticians and 24 barbers from Moran to offer free grooming services to villagers.“The village remains difficult to access, with thick deposits of mud and silt left behind by the receding floodwaters. The villagers, men and women alike, who normally travel around five km to Nazira or Simaluguri for personal grooming, have been unable to leave the village amid the continuing disruption,” Dehingia told TOI.The idea came while the 50-year-old legislator was visiting flood-hit areas and interacting with residents.“Food, medicines, clothes and other assistance have reached the flood-hit people provided by the government, social groups and individuals. But, they needed to prepare themselves mentally and that would be by some freshness.”“While I was deep inside the flooded areas with the people, I came to understand their needs,” Dehingia said.The MLA initially took only barbers to the village. But women complained, prompting him to bring beauticians as well.The 42 professionals from Moran volunteered their services as their contribution to the flood-relief effort.“None charged the villagers for their work. They used their skills and their hands to offer in their own way of standing with people in distress,” Dehingia said.Transportation for the volunteers and packed lunches were arranged free of cost.For residents dealing with the aftermath of floods, the grooming drive offered more than haircuts and beauty care — it brought a little freshness and a sense of normalcy.The initiative also helped Dehingia identify another need among the flood-affected population.“Next Sunday, I am planning to take physiotherapists there. That is an important need I have noticed,” he said.The initiative has drawn applause as a rare gesture of help, though Dehingia said some have also trolled him on social media. But, for the first-time legislator that is how life is, no complaints.
