-- Samir Umarye *BICHOLIM: *The social website ‘Facebook’ may be used for chatting or for fun, but a group from Bicholim used it in a different way -- to help a needy widow who had lost all her belongings. <http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JEmlw2qy18M/T3IiUTTrAHI/AAAAAAAAAd8/xOoRub9ywe0/s1600/27march-bicholim-members.jpg> The 850-member Bicholim group on Facebook, which was created a year ago, came together for a special cause to 75-year-old woman, Satyawati Gaonkar, from Naiginim. Satyawati’s hut along with all her belongings was gutted in the fire on March 9. She was saved by locals, but had sustained minor injuries when she tried to retrieve money hidden in a rice sack. When this news was flashed on the Bicholim Facebook group, several volunteered and came forward to help. Not only those residing in Bicholim, but some working abroad also sent money to help the poor woman. As the woman was homeless, villagers constructed a small house with the help of the amount received from the MLA. On Sunday, some group members led by Ramakant Shetye, a businessman and social worker from Bicholim, went to the site and donated her basic necessities. Satyawati earns a paltry Rs 200 per month sweeping in a school. A donor has now agreed to pay her Rs 1000 per month till she is alive. As the temporary structure built by locals might not be withstand the monsoons, the Bicholim Facebook group has also expressed its support to build a small room for the woman. The group along with the help of locals will make efforts to provide her electricity supply and water connection.
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