By Stalin S
As part of tsunami rehabilitation programmes, Caritas India constructed 50 houses along with Madras Social Service Society (MSSSS) for the displaced families at Amore in Thrivallur district.
The executive director Caritas India Fr. Varghese Mattamana inaugurated the houses for the displaced families in a function organized at Amore on 5th February 2008. This housing colony is named as “Caritas Nagar”.
MSSS took the initiatives to relocate these fifty families evacuated by government from the encroached land near Amore Bypass. All the fifty families contributed Rs.10000 each (five Lakhs) as their contribution to purchase the land. MSSS bought the land and registered it in the name of these fifty families. Caritas India contributed Rs.83, 50,900 for the construction of the houses. Each unit of house cost around Rs.1, 50,000 .
“Consolation for an affected mind and protection for a life time that’s what we aim to achieve by constructing these houses. If you lead a good life here in these houses that will gives us greater satisfaction” said Fr. Varghese (Executive Director, Caritas India) during his inaugural speech. He appreciated the good effort of Fr. Arul Devadoss, executive director, MSSS and his team of staff for their committed and efficient work.
“Today is the day of great satisfaction for us. What is important is you all live in peace and unity in these houses. Moreover, all of you should also send your children to schools to build a better future for them” said Mr. Nelson (Head of EDMS Dept., Caritas India, New Delhi).
Rt.Rev. Dr. Lawrence Pius, Auxiliary Bishop of Chennai presided over the function and blessed the houses. Mr. Rabindran Sanders, Regional Manger Caritas India for Tamilnadu, Amore Ward Councilors and Panchayth Presidents also attended the function.
On the same day MSSS organized the inauguration of Roman Catholic Mission (RCM) primary School at Naduvar Matha Kuppam in Pulicat area. The remains of seventy eight years (78) old primary school was completely demolished before it was rebuilt by caritas India as a three storied building with a carpet area of 13,500 Sq. ft. Caritas India contributed Rs. 76, 94,264 against the total cost of Rs. 82, 09132.
Due to the dilapidated condition of the old structure, , lack of number of class rooms and increased number of children forced Caritas India and MSSS to take up the task of rebuilding the school. The new school building consists of 16 classrooms including a staff room. Each class has got three sections. There are 6886 children doing their primary schooling at RCM School.
Most Rev. Dr. A M Chinnappa SDB, DD., Arch Bishop of Madras-Mylapore blessed the school and Executive Director of Caritas India Fr. Varghese Mattamana opened the school in the presence of Mr. Nelson (Head of EDMS Dept., Caritas India, New Delhi), Mr. Rabindran Sanders, Regional Manger Caritas India for Tamilnadu, Fr. L C Rayanna, Correspondent RCM school and Fr. Arul Devadoss, Executive Director, MSSS attended the inaugural function.
Fr. Arul Devdoss was appreciated by all the speakers for his dedicated and efficient efforts while constructing this school and completing this work in time.