Mangaluru: In a heart-warming example of community solidarity and selfless service, a youth organisation has constructed a permanent house for a vulnerable family with two small children who had been living under a tarpaulin for several years. Marking its 10th anniversary, the Mukkuru Nesara Yuvaka Mandala undertook the initiative of building a safe and dignified home for the family at Kundadka, choosing meaningful social service over celebratory events.
The newly constructed house, named Nesara Nilaya, was recently handed over to Honnamma, a daily wage worker belonging to the Scheduled Caste community, and her two young children. For nearly five years, the family had been living in a makeshift shelter made of tarpaulin, facing extreme hardship and insecurity.
Family’s struggle for survival
Honnamma’s life has been marked by persistent deprivation and uncertainty. With no permanent shelter and limited access to basic amenities, she raised her children while working as a daily wage labourer. According to the organisation, the family had not received ration supplies for nearly 10 years, further compounding their difficulties.
The absence of proper documentation meant that the family also lacked access to electricity and other essential services. Despite these challenges, Honnamma continued to work to support her children, often under harsh conditions. Members of the youth organisation said her situation came to their attention during local community interactions, prompting them to take up the cause.
Decennial celebrations with a purpose
Instead of organising a conventional celebration to mark its decennial year, the Mukkuru Nesara Yuvaka Mandala decided to implement a permanent welfare project that would leave a lasting impact. The decision to construct a house for a family in dire need was unanimously supported by its members.
The house was built at an estimated cost of Rs 2 lakh. What makes the initiative particularly noteworthy is that the entire construction was carried out through shramadana, or voluntary labour, by members of the youth organisation.
From laying the foundation to completing the roof, every stage of construction was done through collective effort, reflecting strong community participation and commitment.
Night-time shramadana effort
Members of the organisation, most of whom are daily wage workers or employed in various occupations, dedicated their evenings to the project. After completing their regular work during the day, they gathered at the construction site every night from 7 pm to 11 pm.
Working under electric lights, the volunteers steadily progressed with the construction, ensuring that the work continued without disruption. Construction began on December 10 and was completed on January 7, with the entire house being built in just 27 days.
Dr. Narasimha Sharma Kanavu, president of the Nesara Dasapranathi Committee, said the project demonstrated what collective determination could achieve. He noted that completing a full-fledged house within such a short time purely through voluntary night-time labour was a remarkable achievement.
Support from donors and villagers
While labour was entirely voluntary, donors and well-wishers extended support by contributing construction materials and arranging food and refreshments for volunteers working late into the night. This ensured that the members could continue their efforts with energy and motivation.
The project became a community-driven initiative, with villagers offering encouragement and assistance wherever possible. The organisers said the support they received reinforced their belief in the power of collective action.
A decade of social service
Over the past 10 years, the Mukkuru Nesara Yuvaka Mandala has undertaken more than 60 social service activities, earning appreciation for its sustained commitment to community welfare. Kumbra Dayakar Alva, convener of the Dasapranathi Committee, said the organisation had consistently focused on addressing local needs through meaningful interventions.
In addition to the house construction, the organisation also developed a garden for an anganwadi, contributing to child welfare and nutrition at the grassroots level. Jagannath Poojary Mukkuru, honorary president of the Nesara Yuvaka Mandala, said the group believed in holistic development and long-term impact.
Leadership and vision
Ramesh Kanavu, president of the Nesara Yuvaka Mandala, said the 10th anniversary provided an opportunity to give back to society in a tangible way. “I am a daily wage worker myself. As president of the youth organisation, I always wanted to help people in genuine need. Instead of celebrating our anniversary for a day, we decided to create something permanent,” he said.
He added that the dedication and sacrifice of the members, who worked tirelessly after long working hours, was beyond measure and reflected the true spirit of service.
Gratitude from the beneficiary
Overwhelmed by the support she received, Honnamma expressed deep gratitude to the youth organisation and villagers. “I do not receive ration supplies and I do not have the documents required for an electricity connection. Because of this, I was living under a tarpaulin with my two children and surviving on daily wage work,” she said.
“The Nesara Yuvaka Mandala and the villagers have given me a new house. I will remain indebted to them for a lifetime,” she added.
Conclusion
The construction of Nesara Nilaya stands as a powerful reminder of how community-driven initiatives can transform lives. Through unity, sacrifice and compassion, the Mukkuru Nesara Yuvaka Mandala has not only provided shelter to a vulnerable family but also set an inspiring example of purposeful social service.