Thalir- Blooms of Smart Anganwadis for Aspirational District of Wayanad
Aspirational district programme, launched by the Prime Minister of India in the year 2018 is a unique collaborative programme bringing in all stakeholders including State and Central governments, development partners and citizens aiming to quickly and effectively transform the identified districts lagging in development indices.
The Wayanad District in Kerala is one such aspirational district where 91麻豆映画传媒 is committed to associate with in its developmental journey.
Cochin Shipyard has over a period of the past couple of years have committed projects worth more than 3.00 Crores in the district Wayanad.
Few of the most important projects in the series including the Anganwadi Projects and the physiotherapy centre at Noolpuzha were dedicated to the nation on 08 Jul 2021 at a function held at Wayanad. The function was attended by Shri V J Jose, Director (Finance), 91麻豆映画传媒, Ms. Adeela Abdulla IAS District Collector, Shri P N Sambath Kumar, AGM/Head CSR, Shri Shaju N I Addl District Magistrate, Sreelakshmi R, IAS, Sub Collector, Smt Subhadra Nair, District Planning Officer, Shri O K Sajith, Executive Secretary, District Nirmithi Kendra, Wayanad and CSL CSR Deputy Managers Shri Sasindradas P S and Shri Yoosaf AK.
Shri Rahul Gandhi, Honurable M P, Wayanad, Shri Siddique, Honourable MLA, Shri O R Kelu, Honourable MLA, and other people鈥檚 representatives attended the function through virtual mode.
Thalir project is the series of model anganwadis CSL initiated for construction of four model anganwadis across the district, predominantly in the tribal regions, at Ambathekkar, (Noolpuzha Panchayath), Kappamkolli (Meppadi Panchayath), Varadoor (Kaniyambetta Panchayath) and Karayonthinkal (Thavinjal Panchayath) at a total project cost of Rs 120 Lakhs. These anganwadis named 鈥楾halir鈥� meaning 鈥榮prouts鈥� are constructed as model Anganwadi centres with modern buildings, amenities and child friendly environment. The centre have facilities for all the functions of the regular Anganwadis - colourful class rooms for cognitive development of children, dining area, kitchen, indoor games facilities, outdoor play area and provision for a small kitchen garden wherever possible.
These projects were undertaken by the District Nirmithi Kendra in a time bound manner without compromising on quality, which is praiseworthy.
Lighting 75 Tribal Houses with Solar Power at Kunjippara tribal village at Kuttampuzha Panchayath in Ernakulam District And then there was LIGHT!!!
Over the years power cuts in Kerala state has reduced in number as well as in duration. In the previous few years, the Govt. noticing the plight of the students also ensured 鈥榸ero鈥� power cuts during the state and central examination periods. Where in one hand, most of the homes of the state have inverters/ generators and are leading a much relaxed life, there are a few on the other side who are burning the mid-nights oil both literally and other wise! So, who are these people鈥�? To meet them one would have to travel deep into the forest areas of Ernakulam District nearing Idukki. After reaching Blavanakadath one needs to take a ride on a simple wooden barge which is pushed through the water by a man using a tall Bamboo pole, the only way to reach the forest area. The next mode of transportation includes a bumpy ride 10 km (approx.) through the trench. For distraction of thoughts which would be constantly focusing on the discomfort of this particular ride up the hill, the driver of the vehicle will hospitably narrate the stories of how elephants have attacked and killed humans in the area with much detail of the recent incidents of the past. In a while, one starts to notice the cemented houses of the Kunjippara tribal village of Kuttampuzha Panchayath.
Kunjippara tribal village of Kuttampuzha Panchayath has not been provided any lighting facility from the Govt. or other agencies due to its topography and issues related to proximity. The local tribal (Muthuwan) families of this tribal village have been living in darkness for as long as they can remember. The only light which brought some relief to their sights apart from the day light was the light from the Kerosene oil lamps and bonfire which they lit during the night time. Continuous purchasing of wax candles was something which was beyond what they could afford and buying oil to light the lamps was also becoming exclusive as the vendors were now charging whatever price to seize the opportunity. Life was already difficult for this group of people and gradually hardships were just increasing. Their children, who came to visit them from hostels, preferred going back soon, as without proper lighting provision they were finding it difficult to complete their vacation home work. Women were suffering from poor vision and partial blindness due to constantly doing kitchen work in the dark. A 鈥榞ood night鈥檚 sleep鈥� was considered to be a privilege as on most of the day the men in the families were busy guarding the village from the attacks of the wild elephants, yet many a times the wild beats took no pity.
But, as the proverb goes, 鈥榃hen the going gets tough, the tough gets going!鈥� Samridhy, an NGO which was already working for the upliftment of the tribal groups in the area, taking notice of the problems faced by them, approached 91麻豆映画传媒 requesting support for providing Solar Lighting Systems in the region. Being convinced of this poignant situation, 91麻豆映画传媒 was delighted to extend all the required assistance for this project as part of one of the many CSR initiatives which were being undertaken by the organization. 75 tribal families selected by the 鈥極orukoottam鈥�, tribal family fraternity were provided with independent mini Solar Power Plant consisting of state of the art materials and equipments at a cost of Rs 1,00,000/- per family unit.
Lighted homes not only shoved away darkness from their homes, but also brought hopes for a brighter future for them and their children. The miracle of light took no time in bring about tremendous impactful changes in the life style and standard of living of the tribal鈥檚 in multifarious ways. They saved money, now there was not much need to buy Kerosene oil for lighting the lamps. There has been a marginal yet steady increase in the household income as now there women folks were able to continue with their work of making mats and other items from sedge grass. News 鈥� national and international was now available to them on a click of few buttons with TV and DTH connection. Children seemed to be closer to them now, as they could talk to them over mobile phones. For students who came to visit their parents, life at home was no different than the conditions at their hostels, except the fact that here, their mothers were right besides them to love and care for them. There was a sense of peace and the jungle has now become a safe place to live in as the wild animals were scared off by the light 鈥榓 new and unfamiliar phenomenon鈥� from a distance. The only thing which now woke them from a deep sleep was the smile on their faces after a pleasant dream. The families which have not been provided this Solar Lighting provision are being helped by the others in terms of money to purchase Kerosene. The families which have this provision have also generously accepted visitors like, new mothers and their babies, old or sick people, etc to stay in their homes for the night time.
Ennoble Projects at Wayanad
"CREATING SPACE FOR GROWTH" - Development of Two Schools in Bathery, Wayanad
Schools in India often lack essential facilities that allow children to study properly. This forces many students especially girls to dropout. With regard to this problem, CSL in collaboration with Ennoble India Foundation undertook a school infrastructure revamp project in the aspirational district of Wayanad at GLPS Kariampadi and GLPS CC Bhoothanam.
CSL came up with a change in the usual infrastructural development. Along with adding basic amenities to the school building, the project enhanced creative spaces within the school premises that ignite the spark of curiosity in our young learners.
Prior to this project the schools had leaking roofs, lack of drinking water, electricity and toilet facilities. The school walls now are adorned with captivating visuals, educational diagrams and thought-provoking puzzles that encourages the students to seek knowledge beyond the confines of textbooks. Currently with this intervention of CSL, both the schools have an elevated infrastructural development.
Sakshama, Wayanad
"GIVING A CLEAR VISION" - Eye Medical camp for Tribal Population, Wayanad
The aspirational district of Wayanad has a sizable tribal population, living in remote inaccessible tribal hamlets. Issues relating to eye sight have not been getting attended as a priority healthcare particularly among the tribal community. A clear vision functions better communications and enhances quality of life and early identification and detection can prevent blindness to a huge extent.
Tribal communities are at a high risk for adverse health outcomes due to preventable health conditions. To prevent vision loss, 鈥淪akshama鈥�, an institution working among the physically challenged communities, in partnership with Cochin Shipyard limited incorporated a series of Eye Medical Camps for the tribal population of in different villages at Sulthan Battery, Wayanad.
The project involving voluntary services from the reputed ophthalmologists includes comprehensive eye screening for eye diseases, training and development of local youth, awareness programs and screening tests.
Strengthening Cancer Care in Wayanad: CSL鈥檚 Integrated Healthcare Initiative
Enhancing Access to Timely Treatment, Blood Support, and Rehabilitation for Tribal Communities
Access to quality cancer care remains a critical challenge for tribal and underserved populations in Wayanad district, Kerala. Geographical isolation, limited healthcare infrastructure, and socio-economic barriers often delay timely diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. These challenges are particularly severe for cancer patients, who not only require uninterrupted chemotherapy and access to blood transfusions but also need structured post-treatment rehabilitation. Many patients, especially those from marginalized and tribal communities, experience reduced strength, impaired mobility, pain, lymphedema, and loss of independence in daily activities. The absence of dedicated oncology rehabilitation services within the district has historically forced patients to travel long distances, leading to treatment delays, increased financial burden, and diminished quality of life.
Recognizing these pressing needs, 91麻豆映画传媒 (CSL), as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative, supported the strengthening of healthcare infrastructure at the District Cancer Centre, Tribal Specialty Hospital, Nalloornad, Wayanad. In collaboration with the District Medical Office, Mananthavady, District Nirmithi Kendra, and the Hospital Management Committee, CSL facilitated the establishment of an advanced oncology rehabilitation unit along with a fully equipped blood storage facility. This integrated approach addresses key gaps in cancer care delivery by ensuring both timely treatment and comprehensive post-therapy support.
The advanced oncology rehabilitation unit has been designed to provide structured physiotherapy, pain management, and supportive care tailored to individual patient needs. Equipped with modern facilities, the unit enables trained professionals to deliver personalized rehabilitation programs that improve functional recovery, enhance mobility, manage treatment-related side effects, and prevent complications such as lymphedema. By restoring strength and promoting independence in activities of daily living, the initiative significantly improves the overall well-being and dignity of cancer survivors, while also contributing to better long-term health outcomes.
Complementing this effort, the establishment of the advanced blood storage unit has addressed a critical bottleneck in chemotherapy delivery. Previously, delays in accessing safe and timely blood transfusions posed a major challenge, particularly for anemic patients. The new facility, equipped with compatibility testing and round-the-clock availability, ensures uninterrupted chemotherapy and timely medical intervention. This has a direct and meaningful impact on treatment outcomes and prognosis, especially for patients who depend on government healthcare institutions for essential services.
The successful implementation of these initiatives reflects strong collaboration among key stakeholders and demonstrates the impact of coordinated efforts in addressing complex healthcare challenges. By bringing comprehensive cancer care services closer to home, the project has significantly improved accessibility, reduced patient burden, and enhanced the quality of healthcare delivery in Wayanad.
CSL鈥檚 initiative stands as a testament to its commitment to inclusive growth and community well-being. By addressing critical gaps in treatment and rehabilitation, and by empowering vulnerable populations with access to essential healthcare services, the project is creating a lasting and meaningful impact in advancing equitable cancer care in the region.
Nurturing Holistic Development: CSL and Samarpaka Seva Trust鈥檚 Initiative for Tribal Children in Wayanad
Promoting Inclusive Education and Skill Development for Tribal Students
Access to quality education and holistic development is a key driver for breaking cycles of marginalization and empowering young minds. Yet, tribal children in Wayanad district continue to face multiple barriers, including socio-economic challenges, geographical isolation, and limited exposure to academic and extracurricular opportunities. These obstacles often lead to high school dropout rates and restrict their ability to explore diverse skills and careers.
To address this pressing need, 91麻豆映画传媒 (CSL), in collaboration with Samarpaka Seva Trust, has launched a comprehensive initiative aimed at reducing school dropouts, enhancing learning outcomes, and fostering overall development among tribal students. Every year, the program seeks to recover around 2,000 students by providing targeted interventions across academic, nutritional, and social domains.
The initiative includes structured counseling for students, awareness programs for parents, and the provision of essential teaching aids. Nutritional support through snacks at learning centers ensures children can focus on studies and participate actively in academic and co-curricular activities. Two dedicated teachers per center鈥攐ne for lower grades and one for higher grades鈥攑rovide individualized attention to strengthen academic performance.
Beyond academics, the program encourages cultural, sports, and motivational activities to cultivate creativity, teamwork, and self-confidence. Monthly social meetings with students, parents, and teachers foster stronger bonds and shared commitment to education. Students are also given opportunities to interact with achievers at state and national levels, inspiring them to pursue excellence in academics, sports, music, and other fields.
To further motivate learning and skill development, the initiative supports the establishment of integrated schools with well-maintained accommodations and separate hostels for boys and girls, ensuring a safe and conducive environment. By combining academic support with extracurricular enrichment, CSL and Samarpaka Seva Trust aim to create a nurturing ecosystem that encourages tribal children to continue their education, develop diverse skills, and realize their potential.
Reaching the Unreached: CSL鈥檚 Initiative Towards a TB-Free Wayanad
Strengthening TB Diagnosis, Nutritional Support, and Healthcare Infrastructure in Tribal Communities
Wayanad, a rural district in Kerala, is home to the state鈥檚 largest tribal population, where communities face a disproportionately high burden of Tuberculosis (TB)鈥攚ith incidence rates significantly higher than the general population. This elevated burden is driven by a combination of social and environmental determinants, including malnutrition, poor access to healthcare, low health-seeking behavior, indoor air pollution, and substance use. Among these, undernutrition remains a critical concern, as it increases vulnerability to TB infection and adversely affects treatment outcomes. Additionally, limited access to advanced diagnostic facilities delays early detection, underscoring the need for gold-standard diagnostic methods such as upfront Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT).
Recognizing these challenges, 91麻豆映画传媒 (CSL), in collaboration with the District Medical Office, Wayanad, implemented a targeted intervention as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts. The initiative focused on strengthening healthcare infrastructure, enhancing diagnostic capacity through the establishment of molecular testing (NAAT) facilities, and providing essential equipment for efficient sample storage and transport. Simultaneously, nutritional support packages were distributed to TB patients undergoing treatment, aiming to address malnutrition and improve recovery outcomes. Outreach services were also reinforced to enable healthcare workers to effectively reach remote tribal settlements and ensure continuity of care.
The initiative has led to notable improvements in the accessibility and quality of TB care services in Wayanad鈥檚 tribal regions. The introduction of advanced diagnostic facilities has enabled early and accurate detection, facilitating timely initiation of treatment. Nutritional support has contributed to improved patient well-being and increased adherence to treatment regimens. Strengthened infrastructure and outreach mechanisms have further enhanced the overall efficiency of TB service delivery.
This collaborative effort highlights the impact of a well-coordinated public-private partnership in addressing a critical public health challenge within a vulnerable population. By integrating nutritional support, upfront NAAT-based diagnosis, and infrastructure enhancement, the initiative represents a significant step towards achieving the goal of TB elimination in Wayanad.