Andhra Pradesh schools come to Kochi with relief

Kochi: Five representatives from 13 schools of Andhra Pradesh Private Schools Association (APPSA) extended a helping hand to the flood-hit families of Eloor municipality and contributed around Rs. two lakhs to the people who suffered losses in the floods.

The team from Kovvur, which had sent two truckloads of relief materials during the floods, came to know about the condition of the residents of Bosco Colony in Eloor from Deccan Chronicle. The team, led by K.J. Sinoy of Sri Sadguru School, Kovvur, who is a native of Kasargod had Sita Siva Rama Krishna of Sara-swathi Vidyanikethan school, Dommeru, Varanasi Veerabhadra of Varanasi Vidyanikethan school, Kovvur, Badeti Ramesh, Maharshi Vidyanikethan School, Chagallu, and John Kenday of Sri Bhavani Public School, Dommeru as part of the team.

The fund was collected from the students. “It was a mind-blowing response from our students when we asked them to be a part of the relief campaign,” a representative said.

“When we heard about the situation of the colonies post-flood from the news report, we decided to help them with what we have and started collecting funds,” Mr Sinoy told DC. “My colleagues sought my help as I am a Keralite and informed about their willingness to visit these places. We had earlier decided to transfer the money to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund. Later, when we decided to visit Kerala, we thought it will be much better if we give this money directly to them.” The group visited every house on Monday evening and listened to their woes. He said the group will try and bring more help, Mr. Sinoy said.

An interesting fact is that there is an Elooru in Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Sita Siva Rama Krishna told DC. “So when we heard of this Eloor, we didn’t have to think much,” he said.

“We thank them for coming here and helping us,” said Joseph Shery, councilor, Eloor municipality. “They have given Rs 5500 each to 37 flood-hit families in two wards in the municipality and Rs 10,000 for the restoration of the primary health sub-centre in Pathalam which was worst-hit in the recent deluge.” Mr Sherry said that the residents of the colony were much relieved with their visit. “They are left with no money  and hence any help would be a big relief for them,” he said. Mr. Sherry said a native of Ernakulam who sought anonymity is giving 40 cents of land to the people to build houses and Ramanan, an Andhra Pradesh native, who works as a plumber in Kakkanad had contributed Rs 15,000.