House for Rema - Sainik School Alumni Social Project

Rema being interviewed

Destiny is not just about misfortune. It can also be about good tidings. Rema, a young budding poet in a remote Pallikkar village in Payyoli of Kozhikode district, knows.

For this youngest of seven siblings, first, it was misery in the form of family squabbles, physical infirmity and emotional trauma. All of that ended in she and her TB-inflicted father being reduced to a nerve-racking state, and forced to live in a shed on a piece of land susceptible to waterlogging.

The Malabar chapter of my (Sainik School, Kazhakootam) alumni association got to know of her plight from media reports, and drew up a plan to build a House for Rema, as its second Social Project. The first project was a free medical camp conducted by all the doctor-alumni from in and around Kozhikode, a few months ago.

The House for Rema

The House for Rema project was taken up in May last year. After surmounting innumerable hurdles of different kinds during the next eight months, the house, the dream the talented young girl nurturned for many years, was ready for occupation.

Hari Ashwin handing over key
to Rema. Behind to the left
is Mr Poonacha and to the
right Capt Ramesh Babu.

She took possession of it at a simple ceremony today evening. The key was handed over to her by Hari Ashwin, a 6th standard student of Sainik School. He was there for Christmas vacation. There was a crowd of around 250 people, including 23 old students, five current cadets, and former Geography teacher Mr M K Poonacha who as the chief guest unveiled the plaque. Rema acknowledged the effort by reciting a poem, that moved many to tears. The entire project was driven by a group of alumni led by Capt Ramesh Babu.

We may not be able to help each and every needy person. But all of us can make some effort, in our own way, to help some people.