We ended 2014 and began 2015 in a different way. The end of the year 2014 does not mean the end of whatever we have started. In 2015, we aim to raise funds to help two blind people. One of these people had undergone a cornea operation for which we had raised funds earlier, and the money we are planning to raise is for his follow up treatment. The second person, a BA graduate, had done a diploma course in computersfor 14 months. He had lost his vision when he was 7years old, and there is no one to look after him after his mother’s time and no one to help him get a job. His qualification will not be of any use to him or his mother if he is not helped in some way. At present he is earning his livelihood by selling lotteries in Pookode town. We have decided to give him a computer that can be used by blind people. The total amount needed for the computer is more than Rs.50, 000.
We are also planning to provide stationary items and provision items like rice, cereals etc. on a monthly basis from January, 2015 onwards to Mattannur Balasadanam and Kannur Balika Sadanam by running stalls wherever Krishi Bhavan conducts NIRAVU Agriculture Mela.
As a start, we put up our first stall at their Peringathur branch to sell the fresh vegetables grown at our school, seeds, homemade pickles, unniappam and handicrafts made by our students. We were really happy as our products were appreciated and sold out within seconds. We received an amount of Rs. 4750 from this sale which was proof to us that “selfless acts are always rewarded”. We have also thought of raising money by making products like soap, umbrella, cloth bags, candles and agarbathies. As a part of this, our teachers, non teaching staff and students were taught to make these items from 12th January to 16th January by trainers who are part of “Swadeshi”, the concept envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi’s for the economic regeneration of the common people.
On the same day, another group of teachers and students brought food packets or “pothichor” from their homes which were distributed to the patients of Kuthuparamba Government Hospital. Through this, our students understood the value of sharing and caring.
The teachers and students of our school also made a visit to Edayar Chalil Colony on the same day. They divided themselves into groups and visited each and every family of this colony. The purpose of their visit was to understand the living conditions of the people and to give them awareness about how to lead a better life. Through this visit, we came to know that most of the women folk were housewives who wanted to earn for their families .We have decided to teach them to make handicrafts and other simple things which they can sell to make money. Although the women of the colony are rearing cattle and goats and have ample supply of manure in the form of dung, they do not have any idea about its use. Therefore, we have planned to start a vermi compost unit and train them in maintaining it so that they can put the resources they have to good use. The level of education is quiet low in this colony which was very evident in the attitude of the children towards education. They were not interested in going to school; instead they wanted to do odd jobs and make money. Our students and teachers educated them on the need for better education and a better quality life.
Life is far too short. It’s high time that all of us started thinking creatively to make our lives meaningful by helping others and sharing our happiness with them. We sincerely thank Malayala Manorama and Nalla Padam co-ordinators for being with us for all our ventures to make our Spiritual Master “AMMA’s” vision for society to come true through our children.
OM LOKAH SAMASTAH SUKHINO BHAVANTU
