Extending flood relief funds to build a house for Gopalan at Kootikal
It was decided that we use the extra amount remaining un-utilized from the fund collected for flood relief, by providing help to the needy affected by natural calamities . In the EC meeting held on 25th Nov 2021 decision was taken to rehabilitate one family affected by the landslide at Kootical and surrounding area under the Flood relief project .
The village officer of Kootical short-listed 3 deserving cases for consideration. EC evaluated all the cases in detail and narrowed down on one case of Gopalan, Panniyil House, Chatthanplapally which was found to be the most deserving one. We decided to build a new house for Gopalan, on the 5 cents of land which he owned at Chatthanplapally
Few of the EC members visited the place accompanied by Mr. Binu, the Thasildhar of Kanjirapally Thaluk and 2 Staff from Kootikal Village office for inspecting and evaluating Gopalan’s Case on 3rd December 2021
Gopalan’s family consisted of himself aged 70+, his wife Gouri aged 68, one daughter aged 47 having autism and bedridden and another daughter aged 41, also affected by autism. Gopalan had not been working for the past 2 to 3 years due to health issues. He was a rubber tapper and the earning for the 4 member family was the meagre pension from the Government.
The house that he was residing in presently was old and depilated and showed marks of deterioration. The plot where he had his dwelling was at Kootikal was about 30 meters lower than the road level. There was no proper approach to his plot/house from the road. The only way to reach his house was by walking on a narrow and steep uneven stone, totally unsafe for regular use. This place is more than 60° steep, and construction or commuting on such a slope meant real risk to life . Moreover he also had to transport his sick daughters to Hospital as and when the situation demanded.
He had another plot of 5 cents, at about 3km away from his present house at Mathumalai, Kootikal .The approach to this plot was better than the one where he was residing at present, and was more suitable for small vehicles to reach the plot if an approach road could be built from the main road .
We felt Gopalan’s case deserved merit, taking into consideration the health of his wife, the medical conditions of his daughters, the dangerous route , the depilated house, absence of any income and the essential requirement of rushing his family members to the hospital for medical emergencies.
EC deliberated on the same in the meeting held on 13.12.2021 and approved the project of building a new house of about 500 sq.ft. at Gopalan’s alternate plot at Mathumala. The Village officers of Kootikal shortlisted a contractor, Mr. Rajesh from the same area.
Though the estimated cost for constructing the house was about Rs. 7,50,000/-, and the balance amount under Flood Relief account was only Rs. 4,45,400/- we decided to start the project. It was decided that we raise the balance requirement of about Rs 3.5 Lakh for completing the project by appealing to the members of SEWA . After appealing to the SEWA members on 25.03.2022, we could raise another 2. 75 lakhs and we are now sshort of about Rs. 75000/- for completing this project.
Progress of work as of mid May 2022
Plan was approved by authorities. Agreement was signed between RECCA SEWA SOCIETY and Rajesh the contracto . Foundation stone was laid on 10th of Feb 2022 in the presence of SEWA members. The building had come up to the Lintel Level, when the appeal was raised for extra funds . As of now concreting for the roof has been completed. Plastering work in progress. Work is progressing as per schedule and the contractor will be able to complete the jobs as per schedule
as of 10th jun 2022
The house was constructed and was ready in all respects , but as Gopalan wanted the Keys to be handed over only in Chingam month , it was deferred and the Key handing over is on 25th Aug Photograph of the house painted and all ready to be handed over to Gopalan
Santhwanam 3
A small Memento as token of token of Appreciation from Sewa to Rajesh & Akhil
SEWA
In the absence of the President, Mr Hashim the Vice President of Sewa welcomed the gathering and spoke about the reasons for initiating this Project . Secretary Tomy Paul handed over the keys to the couple. A collage of few photographs taken om the occasion is given above . A momentous and joyous occasion for all Sewa Members to see our dream project take shape and be of use to a needy person
NEW UPDATE on 07/09/2022
Friends, yesterday’s was a gratifying experience. Had a chance to witness our project reaching (as always) a most deserving family in the community. SEWA efforts were appreciated by the recipient family, their relatives and civic leaders. Kudos to all donors of this project and the EC who provided leadership to complete it with local help in such a short period 🎉👍🙏
Personally, I felt the job is not done. Gopalan’s children, 48 and 44 years old, needs continued care and attention of mom and dad. They’re surviving on government pension – great initiative. But, I would like to supplement it and personally commit for a perpetual support program though their life at 1,000 each per month for the children. EC is requested to develop a program and let me know how this could be done through SEWA 🙏
This was expressed by one of our very committed Member Tom Joseph. Today just the day before Onam, Rs 2000 was hand delivered to the girls, by Tahsildar Binu Sebastian through the Village Officer and this is going to be a regular affair . Our sincere thanks to Tom Joseph and all members of Sewa who continue to want to give back to Soceity through Sewa which happens to be bridge between the Intent and the Destination. May Abundance be bestowed on such noble people and may Recca Sewa continue to be such a bridge : SEWA Team