By Anjaly Rajendran
Kumily is home to a lot of tourist attractions including the Thekkady Lake and the Periyar Forest Reserve surrounding the lake among others. However, what is not highlighted or known to tourists is that Kumily also has a rich heritage of public service.
One such organization which has existed in Kumily from the turn of the 21st Century is the Assisi Snehashram which is also called as Akashapparavakal by the locals. Headquartered at Kattappana in Idukki District, Assisi Snehashram is an institution which aims at protecting, serving and rehabilitating the destitute and marginalized people of the society. They have also recently opened up a Home for destitute children in Valiyakandam, Kumily.
The Centre houses beggars, mentally different who are found in the street for various reasons, physically handicapped, lepers, sick destitute, widows, orphans, the aged and women who are victims of exploitation etc. The inmates here belong to different regions, religions and castes.
The Assisi Snehashram movement was founded by Fr.Francis Dominic OFM Cap., who continues to serve as its Founder Director. The Assisi Snehashram first began in Kattapana in a small way and has grown now with over 8 centres in different locations. These centres are managed and run by Capuchin Fathers, Franciscan Sisters of the Destitute (FDS) and kind hearted benefactors associated with each centre. The land and buildings for each centre are donated by kind hearted philanthropists.
The Centre at Kumily commenced operations in the year 2000 in rented premises. The Centre moved to its own building in 2007 after constructing on a plot donated by Rev. Fr. Thomas Assaripparambil. The Centre currently has around 150 inmates including women and Men. There are separate sections and wards to house the male and female inmates here.
A visit to the Centre would indeed be an eye opener for the effort and dedication of the staff is commendable. The premises are very clean and hygiene is maintained throughout. Inmates who are unable to take care of themselves and their bodily functions are also taken care of with patience and love. The inmates who have moderate afflictions also contribute to the functioning of their centre by serving and assisting in the Kitchen.
Groceries and provisions are provided at very minimal rates to the Assisi Snehashram by the Government Ration Stores. It is estimated that the cost of providing food to the inmates runs up to 27000/- per day. While breakfast costs rupees 7000, lunch costs rupees 15000 and dinner is rupees 5000 per day.
The people and philanthropists of Kumily contribute to the expenses of the Centre by donating a meal on special days and events such as Birthdays, Anniversaries or Festivals and Feasts.
The St. Thomas E M H S School, Attappallam provides lunch twice a week on working days with contributions from their students. Shops, offices and other institutions of Kumily also extend their helping hand to the Centre. Readers who would like to celebrate their special moments by helping provide a meal can also contact the Superior General Sr.Anita F.S.D by email: anitafsd@gmail.com or by phone to: 9544661737 or 04869-223617
With a view to protect the inmates the Assisi Snehashram does not allow photography within its premises. The images shared along with this article were therefore sourced from the internet.
We request our readers to support this noble initiative and contribute whatever they can to the Centre. Funds can be remitted through their Federal Bank account bearing number: 15310100047501.
