We had decided to extend our unconditional support and beyond. Mr. Ajin & Mr. Hari connected with their family and friends to gauge the actual situation and needs with the support of local MLA and like-minded people. Mr. Sriram, based in Cochin also extended support coordinating with Mr. Mukundan for this purpose.
With multiple associates right from the leadership coordinating across locations, the Pilot batch led by Mr. Mukundan and team visited to zero down on the most affected area that we can support. This time was not just in terms of essential needs, was also on the support that can be provided with our skilled personnel. The needs were not just basic, survival and coming back to normal life was more important and we wanted to utilize our Electrical, Civil and Electronic expertise for this purpose.
Kuttanadu was identified as the most affected area to support 48 families with the following based on pilot visit. Mr. Selvam and Mr. Mohaneshwaran on behalf of us and with the continuous guidance from Mr. Arunagiri Mr Mukundan `the following were delivered to meet the immediate needs
Support
- 50 numbers of Bed Sheets, Plastic Sleeping Mats, Cooking vessels including rice pot, curry vessels, and 100 numbers of ladles, tumblers and plates.
- Electrical work – Material related to repairing of ceiling fans – capacitors, switch boards, wiring and other basic needs for electrical & electronics purposes.
- 50 Numbers: Sleeping mats in plastic (available in plastic that can be folded and washable).
- 50 Sets: Basic cooking vessels in stainless steel – Kadai / Cooker, Plates, tumblers, stoves and essentials in each set for basic cooking purpose. Apart from the electrical work and repairs with material support, A dire need for carpentry work was communicated by the villagers since the houses were completely flooded and they were unable to even take a nap.
We advised our team to check for education background of the members of the families for diploma holders, engineering graduates, others who can possibly be considered for any employment opportunity either with us or though us to refer to some known contacts for a sustained income in future. Some of them have reached out to us and we will be supporting them based on requirement matching their skills. During the pilot, it was also observed that the women in the village are self-employed and do tailor work & stitching. Even this was incapacitated due to the rains. Our team, with the help of the local MLA & SPOC checked the possibilities to supply machines through self-help groups & NGOs. The same has been taken care of by the government and local bodies. It was truly a well coordinates support extended by all of us who directly & indirectly involved in this activity. Support for a noble cause without expecting anything in return was well appreciated and received by the villagers of Kuttanadu.