Kodagu: The devastating floods in Kodagu and Kerala has moved the nation to tears. Thousands responded to the desperate pleas for helping the victims of the mega-deluge. Many organisations and volunteers joined hands with the security forces and National Disaster Relief Forces (NDRF) in rescue and relief operations. The job is only half done!
With the rains subsiding and sun shining brightly over the region, the extent of the damage caused by the disaster is becoming apparent. As people try to wipe the bitter memories of the past few weeks, they are faced with a daunting task of rebuilding their normal lives. However, rehabilitation, unlike rescue and relief is a long-term measure, that takes years to complete.
Though we hear many endearing stories of heroism and kindness in the face of disaster, the rehabilitation and reintegration of the victims back into the society does not get the same attention. Fortunately, there are few among us who have already announced steps for long-term rehabilitation. One such organisation is Sai Shankar Educational Institution, Ponnampet in Kodagu.
Sadguru Sai Shankar Charitable Trust that manages a group of residential educational institutions spread across Kodagu, has come forward to bear the education cost of the victims from Kodagu. The trust has announced that it would provide free education for the needy students-from the first standard till undergraduate studies-for continuing their education free of cost.
Speaking to NewsKarnataka, Founder President of the Sai Shankar Educational Institutions, Zaru Ganapathy said, “Sai Shankar Educational Institutions has been providing educational services for a long time now. We have course ranging from Class I to undergraduate studies. The institution will take in genuine students who have been affected by the floods in the Kodagu region. Students can get admission for any of the courses provided by the institution and they will be provided with food, accommodation and tuition, free of cost.”
Those studying in other institutions and are unable to continue their studies because of the floods in the district can also take a transfer to the course in the institution. “The students can submit the Student Tracking System (STS) number for transferring their admission. We will take care of the transfer process by coordinating with the government officials,” Ganapathy added.
When NewsKarnataka inquired about the inspiration behind the move, Ganapathy said, “Since its inception in 1967, Sadguru Sai Shankar Charitable Trust has been involved in serving the needy. We feel it’s our responsibility to help the people affected by the calamity to get back to their normal lives in any manner we can. We are just contributing what little we can towards this purpose.”
Ganapathy also said that the initiative would continue for another 2 to 3 years-a time of respite for the students and their families from worries of paying educational fees. The trust hopes to reach out to around 50-100 deserving students through this programme, he added.
In a tweet, Kodagu Connect (@KodaguConnect) shared the news with the public. “Sai Shankar Educational Institutions in Ponnampet will provide free education to the flood-affected students across Kodagu from Std 1 till final B Com,” read the tweet.
Sai Shankar Educational Institutions in Ponnampet will provide free education to flood-affected students across Kodagu from Std 1 till final B Com. Contact 9902043861 for details. pic.twitter.com/6jz3mBvhmf
— Kodagu Connect (@KodaguConnect) August 22, 2018
Those wanting to avail this opportunity can contact 9902043861 for further details, Ganapathy said.
