Wayanad, Kerala: A specially designed, disability-friendly house, constructed under the ‘MAGIK Homes‘ initiative of the Different Art Centre (DAC), was handed over to the family of siblings Nisaan and Nissi in Veliyambam, Pulpally, on Saturday. The beneficiaries, both intellectually challenged, previously resided in a makeshift shed, facing significant challenges due to their economic and social circumstances.
The formal handover ceremony was officiated by prominent poet and lyricist Murukan Kattakada. He presented the keys to the kids in the presence of their parents, Saijan and Joicey. Among those present were T S Dileep Kumar, President, Pulppally Grama Panchayath, Dr Jomet Kothavazhikal, Ward Member, Aryaprakash, Assistant Professor, Hindi Department, R. Shankar Memorial S.N.D.P. Yogam Arts & Science College, Koyilandy, who is visually impaired, and Mr. Gopinath Muthukad, Executive Director of the Different Art Centre.
The family’s plight, marked by limited income and inadequate housing, made them a priority for the DAC’s selection committee, which evaluates applications based on stringent criteria. “Our children had long harboured the dream of a stable home. Their joy at its realisation is overwhelming,” said Joicey.
The construction of the 600-square-foot dwelling was made possible by a generous donation of five cents of land by Kuriakose, a resident of Veliyambam. “This endeavour was brought to fruition solely through the kindness and collaborative spirit of the community,” Joicey added. Nisaan and Nissi, currently students at the Kripalaya Special School in Pulpally, will now benefit from a stable and accessible living environment conducive to their continued development and education.
The structural design and construction, overseen bySimson Cheenikkuzhy of Jude Constructions, incorporated specific features to ensure the house is fully accessible and caters to the particular needs of the children.
Extending Accessible Living Across Kerala
The residence in Wayanad marks the fourth completion under the DAC’s ambitious MAGIK Homes — Making Accessible Gateways for Inclusive Kerala project. This initiative aims to construct 14 model, disability-friendly homes, one in each district of the State. Each house is uniquely planned and built to accommodate the specific limitations of the beneficiaries, thereby ensuring maximum comfort, independence, and an improved quality of life.
Prior to the Wayanad handover, similar homes have been completed and delivered in the districts of Kasaragod, Idukki, and Malappuram.
“It is our sincere hope that these disability-friendly homes constructed under the ‘MAGIK Homes‘ project will serve as a compelling inspiration for other charitable organizations and individuals to undertake similar humanitarian initiatives,” said Gopinath Muthukad during the ceremony. The project, conceived as a testament to compassion and collective action, seeks not only to provide immediate relief but also to establish a tangible model for inclusive housing across India, fostering hope among numerous families facing similar challenges.