Thiruvananthapuram: The 27-year ordeal of living in rented houses came to a close for Indira and her son Rahul today, as they stepped into their new, fully accessible home in Vakkom in Thiruvananthapuram of Kerala. The house, the fifth one built under the ‘Magik Home’ initiative of the Different Art Centre (DAC), represents a new beginning for the family.
In a heartwarming key handover ceremony, celebrated filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, the patron of DAC, presented the keys to Indira and her son Rahul. The event was attended by Jiji Thomson IAS, former Chief Secretary of Kerala and Chairman of DAC, and Gopinath Muthukad, Executive Director. Also present was Adv. Jayadali M.V., Chairperson of the State Disability Development Corporation. The ceremony commenced with a soulful rendition by National Award-winning singer Adithya Suresh.
“More people should get involved in the upliftment of the differently-abled,” said Adoor Gopalakrishnan, calling the Magik Home project a true role model for such initiatives. Adding to this, Jiji Thomson stressed, “Voluntary organizations should come forward to help the financially backward people who belong to the differently-abled section.”
Indira, a mobility-impaired mother, shared her emotional journey, recalling a time when she and her children had to live in a cowshed. “I never thought such a big dream would come true,” she said, her eyes welling up. “After my time, my children will have a safe place to live—a piece of land and a home like heaven. That is a great fortune.” Her 30-year-old son, Rahul, who has intellectual challenges, studies at the local Buds School in Vakkam.
The new 540 sq. ft. home was built on a three-cent plot of land generously donated by Shakeeb of Vakkom. The construction was spearheaded by Riyadh Rasheed and his team at SSBM Pro Ventures. The house is a model of accessible design, equipped with ramps and a specially designed bathroom to cater to the needs of individuals with disabilities.
Gopinath Muthukad explained that the Magik Home project is a mission to build a model home in each of Kerala’s 14 districts for people in need. He expressed hope that these homes will inspire other charitable organizations and individuals to undertake similar initiatives, thereby creating a wider impact. To date, four homes have been completed and handed over in Kasaragod, Idukki, Malappuram, and Wayanad.