A meal a day for tribals

The Mission has launched the 'Annadayini' scheme to provide lunch to malnourished tribals in remote areas. This scheme was implemented in the first phase in four tribal colonies of Vettilakolli, Kumbalapara,Mannala and Alakkal in Malappuram district.

Kumbalapara is a remote tribal settlement in Pothukal Panchayath of Nilambur block. As it is located in the deep forest it’s very difficult to reach here and the movement of wild elephants too poses a problem. There are 60 people in 12 families residing in this colony, almost cut off from the rest of the world. They belong to the Kaatunaykar group. The men of this colony go into the forest to collect the fruits and other materials for their living. Once they go, it may take several days to return to their homes. As the place in and around the colony are invaded by wild animals they are not possible to do any cultivation either.

So the condition of women and children of this colony is pathetic. Malnourishment abounds in this colony taking its toll on children and the aged inhabitants of this colony. Due to the ailments some of them are not able to go out of their homes.

Vettilakolli- the tribal colony is situated in the Nilambur block in the midst of dense forest. One can only travel by a four wheel drive that too for some distance only. The rest has to be on foot. Elephants are found here aplenty. About 100 persons from 26 families reside in this colony. During monsoon the life here takes a toll on these people. These people prefer to remain within the forest cut off from rest of the world.  Most of the days they are without food. The males are also not able to get work for their living.

Similar conditions prevail in the other tribal colonies too.

How You Can Help

You can also extend your support for the programme. Rs.25 from you can provide a one time meal for a tribal colony in an unhabitated corner of Kerala. It costs around Rs 2500 to provide a day’s meal to an entire colony. Just think what you can do with your liberal contribution!!