The foundation stone for the first cluster project of Aster – Rotary Homes for the flood-affected in Kerala was laid in Velankanni Matha – North Kuthiyathode Colony in Kunnukara Panchayat, North Paravur by renowned movie star Shri. Jayasurya, on 25 February 2019.
The function was attended by several dignitaries including Shri. Ignatius C V and Shri. Dileep Narayan of Rotary Cochin Harbour, Mr. Francis Tharayil, Panchayat President – Kunnukara, Mr. Latheef Kasim – Manager, Dr. Moopen’s Foundation, other members of the Panchayat Committee, Aster Volunteers and residents of the colony.
Aster – Rotary Homes, a joint initiative by Aster DM Foundation and Rotary Cochin Harbour, will be building 75 homes across Kerala for those who lost their homes in the devastating floods that ravaged the State in August 2018. The MoU was signed between Aster DM Foundation and Rotary International in December 2018 for the same.
This project in Velankanni Matha Harijan Colony, is the first Aster – Rotary first cluster home project in the first phase of the Aster-Rotary Homes initiative.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Francis Tharayil, Kunnukara Panchayath President said, “Velankanni Matha Harijan being a low lying area was one of the most affected during the floods. The people here lost their homes and their dear ones. I thank Aster DM Healthcare and Rotary Harbour Cochin for coming forward to rebuild the lives of eight very deserving people. It is heartening to see that the Aster group is continuing to lend a helping hand to the flood-affected in Kerala with this noble project, in spite making a substantial contribution to the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund”
“Kerala witnessed the century’s worst floods last year. Countless homes and livelihoods were washed away, as we looked on helplessly. We at Aster are committed to the cause of rebuilding the lives of the flood-affected in Kerala in whatever ways we possibly can. We hope that the Aster-Rotary Homes project will give a new chance at life to the truly deserving – by giving them a home of their own, a place that makes them feel safe and secure. I would like to thank the Rotary International for partnering with us in this initiative” said Dr. Azad Moopen, Managing Trustee - Aster DM Foundation and Founder, Chairman & Managing Director - Aster DM Healthcare.
“Rotary is delighted to associate with Aster in this project that will benefit 75 families who lost their homes to the floods. All Rotary Districts in Kerala will be part this initiative that will gift “a ceiling of hope” to the flood survivors – new homes for people who have their own land but houses that are completely damaged and cluster houses for those who lost their houses. The 25 houses that will be constructed under the Pilot Project fall under Rotary Districts 3201, 3202 and 3211”, said Mr C Basker, Director - Rotary International.
The handing over of the keys of these eight homes is scheduled for April 2019.
