“The combined selfless efforts of the people of Kerala to overcome the flood disaster of this Century had become a global model” said Hon. Governor of Kerala, Sri. Arif Mohammed Khan while inaugurating the Flood Relief Housing Project of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church. Hon. Governor added that the works of Mar Thoma Church through years in response to the challenges of the society is encouraging and commendable. Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan in the presidential address reminded that this is an occasion of thanksgiving to God Almighty for enabling the Church through her faithful members to help the neediest ones in the society to have comfortable and safe houses.
Hon. Governor inaugurated the Flood Relief Housing Project by handing over the keys to Mr. Mohan T. K., Mr. Majid T.O. and to Mr. Shaji P. Jacob. Later the keys of the completed 60 houses were distributed by the Metropolitan.
Mr. Joy Oommen IAS, former chief Secretary of the Government of Chhattisgarh gave felicitations to the meeting. He reminded the role of the Church to work for the up-liftment of the weak and vulnerable in the Society.
Rt. Rev. Joseph Mar Barnabas Episcopa led the opening prayer, Rev. K. G. Joseph, Sabah Secretary welcomed the guests and other dignitaries to the function. Mr. P. P. Achankunju presented Memento to the Hon’ble Governor. Dr. John Abraham, Sabha Council Member Handed over the Keys of Houses constructed to the Governor. The Department of Sacred Music and Communications (DSM&C) lead the National Anthem.
The Church endeavored in the Flood Relief Housing Project by inviting applications across Kerala and more than 1400 applications were received from all walks of life. Among them the most deserving 102 applications were selected without consideration of caste, colour or creed, for new house construction and 65 houses for house renovation. This project is envisioned as a 10 Crore project, building new houses, each costing Rs. 7.5 lakhs and maintenance of houses expending Rs. 3 lakhs each.
Rt.Rev. Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos Episcopa, Rt. Rev. Thomas Mar Timotheos Episcopa, Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Theethos Episcopa, Rev. Thomas C. Alexander, Clergy Trustee attended the function