KOCHI:
As part of its mission to rebuild flood-affected Kerala, Muthoot M George Foundation, Corporate Social Responsibility wing of The Muthoot Group has handed over the first disaster resilient home to the flood-affected family of Rajeswary and Subramanian at a home dedication ceremony in Annamanada in Trichur, Kerala.
The landmark occasion was graced by K R. Bijimon, Chief General Manager, The Muthoot Group, Tessy Titus, Panchayath President and Rajan Samuel, Managing Director, Habitat for Humanity India. C. V. Balasankar, GM – Credit & Operations, Babu John Malayil, DGM- Corporate Communications, The Muthoot Group, Sabu, Regional Manager, Muthoot Finance Ltd, were present on this occasion.
Built within just 55 days, this disaster resilient home built by Habitat for Humanity India is equipped with six additional base pillars which can withstand earthquakes. In addition, the home is also built three feet above the ground level to avoid flood waters seeping into the home.
Rajeswary and Subramanian I.K., the homeowners of the first disaster resilient home, live on the bank of Chalakkudy river in Aluva with their three daughters – Divya, Diya and Didiya. Subramanianworksas a daily wage labourer while Rajeswary used to work as a domestic help in the neighbourhood.
When the devastating floods hit Kerala in August 2018, water from the Chalakkudyriver changed its course and flooded their house, causing massive damage to the old structure of their home. Although the family somehow survived the wrath of nature, they lost their home. They spent a month in the shelter camp set up by the government, dreading to return to the damaged structure which they used to call home. With the support from neighbours, the family managed to set up a temporary shelter till they could figure out a way to start re-constructing their home.
The disaster resilient home comes as a huge relief to them. Rajeswary’s eyes well up with tears at the sight of her new house. She says, “After the devastating floods, we were not sure whether we would be able to rebuild our house. But to our pleasant surprise, within a few months, we have a home which is way better than our previous one. It is a relief to get back to my chakkaraveedu (home sweet home).”
“Building disaster resilient homes goes a long way not only to rehabilitate disaster- affected people but also to prevent future devastation. We are proud to be associated with Habitat for Humanity India this noble cause. Following our Group’s CSR philosophy, we will continue to show our commitment towards such initiative in future as well,” says George Alexander, Managing Director, The Muthoot Group.
“Restoring home is a key step towards restoring lives after the devastating floods. Disaster resilient home ensures a sustainable rehabilitation for the flood affected families helping them achieve strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build a better future for themselves. We are dedicated towards rebuilding Kerala and have already served over 1,25,000 families through the provision of Humanitarian Aid Kits, Tools Bank and Transitional Shelter. We are steadfastly working towards building more such disaster resilient homes to help people improve their living condition,” says Rajan Samuel, Managing Director, Habitat for Humanity India.
