IRULAR COMMUNITY, VITTALAPURAM
Biggest Project. Although Kalaaksharam conducted 20 projects in 20 villages in and around Kalpaakkam for past 12 years and only heard of a neglected community a few miles away, although food clothing and household items were regularly and frequently distributed it was not until the Nevaar Cyclone that left the 26 families homeless.
Phase 1 Distribution Done – Scroll down
Phase 2 First Three Houses Done … Scroll down
Phase 3 Next Six Houses – in progress
Phase 4 Next Seven smaller houses – if cost effective. Total 16 Houses
Phase 5 100% Literacy for children
Phase 6 Computer Classes for young girls .. conveyance provided
Phase 7 Electricity
Phase 8 Next 10 more Houses – praying for funds!
Co-Executor: Dr. Thambi Thomas
Rani’s brother and wife, Patricia; Sons/wives: Sumithrin-Sapna, Swithin-Martha
What is Irular Community?
Irular (Irulas meaning people of darkness) is a Dravidian ethnic group – ST Scheduled Tribal community. 50-70 years ago they moved in together to clean fields of rats and snakes. They are like Dhalits who are known as Scheduled Castes based on castes where as Irulars are based on occupation. Tamil Nadu: 189,621 Karnataka 10,259 Kerala 23,721.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/irular-community-in-tiruttani-struggles-for-basic-facilities/article30825149.ece
Read about how they were brought to clean the fields in Florida https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/pets-and-environment/070217/irulas-make-history-in-florida-everglades.html
These 26 families have no decent huts or electricity even though World Bank did allot money for their improvements.
Phase1: Distribution
Phase2 Three Houses
3 girls Dhanalakshmi Iswariya Thenmozhi stay with grandmother on and off
Project Manager: Vinayagam Stephenraj
15 years of experience in building houses for the poor and unaffordable. Super builder and organizer. *Church of Salvation in Vittalapuram *3 houses for relatives *9 houses for the Aadhivasigals in Andhaman Islands for the Shilom Mission. Graduate of Maranatha College in Chennai. Now independently he pastors a church of 90 members in the village of Vittalapuram. He sacrifices his time for the poor.
