‘Athijeevan’ (more life), the 3rd phase of Caritas India Kerala flood response program finally concluded by Tellicherry Social Service Society (TSSS). This rebuilding program specifically focused on WaSH, Shelter, and livelihood support with the community at the forefront. The objective of the rebuilding program is to restore housing, rural connectivity and build the resilience of the community. Caritas India carried out this rebuilding program through 32 partners in Kerala. TSSS has successfully completed this rebuilding program and as a result, the society could reach out most vulnerable people in the Kannur district to restore their housing and livelihood.

On June 22, 2019, TSSS has organized a concluding programme of Athijeevan project at St. Mary’s Church Parish hall, Santhi Nagar to showcase the contributions of Caritas India & Catholic Church in India especially in the flood situations of Kerala. In the rebuilding phase, 680 households were supported with Shelter, 2100 with Water, Sanitation and Hygiene and 7480 were supported with livelihood.

Fr. Benny Nirappel, Director, TSSS welcomed all the participants in this concluding ceremony. The program was officially inaugurated by Shri. Kadannapally Ramachandran, Minister for Ports, Museum and Archeology. “It was ineffable support provided by Caritas India & TSSS to the flood-affected people in the hilly areas of Kannur District and the initiatives taken by Caritas India needs to be recognized and honored,” said Shri. Kadannapally Ramachandran in his inaugural speech.

His Grace. Mar. George Njaralakkattu presided over the function and mentioned that “With Caritas India, the Diocese could witness the gospel value of love, fraternity and mercy”.

Fr. Jolly Puthenppura, the Asst. Ex. Director, Caritas India delivered the closing announcement of the Athijeevan program activities in the archdiocese of Tellicherry. “Caritas India is the loving face of social interventions of Catholic Church in India and through Athijeevan caritas could spend more than 40 crore rupees to return back the smiling faces of the affected people in Kerala” said by Fr. Jolly Puthenppura in the program closing addressing words. Mrs. D. Vasanthakumari, (Block Panchayat President), Mrs. Daisy Chittuparambil (Panchayat President, Payyavur), Rev. Fr. Joseph Anathanam (Forane Vicar, Nellikkampoyil), Mrs. P.K Sraswathy (District Panchayat Member), Mr. Anil Varghese (Village Officer, Payyavur), Mrs. Jolly Kattuvila (Block Member), Mr. Shaji Kadukkunnel (Ward Member), Mr. V. Shaju (Panchayat Member, Ulickal) delivered the felicitation speeches for the program.

Mr. Joseph, Kacherykadavu village one of the survivors of Kerala Flood shares  “I lost my 4 acres of farmland last year in the catastrophic flood. During this terrible time of mine, through the initiative of TSSS, carried out on behalf of Caritas India project Athijeevan, I received 40 Cashew plants which helped me to restore my livelihood. Now I am tension free and more confident”.

The occasion witnessed the handing over of land documents to 2 families who have lost their houses, land and entire belongingness due to landslides which is a typical model of sharing community. More than 600 people participated in the program. A special edition of newspaper covering Caritas India flood relief and response activities in Kannur & Kasaragodu districts were distributed among all the participants and in all the parishes of the Arch Diocese. Pair of 10 goats is distributed to 10 program participants as part of the Livelihood support program by Arch Bishop Mar. George Njaralakkattu.