Sree Vallabha temple in Poothatta is regaling in festive spirits. Like every festival, lights are all dangling down the streets and children are seated permanently enjoying the happenings in all the festive aura. However, more than the festive spirit, another news snatched away the headline regarding the celebration. The temple management made a peculiar decision this time. They never went for opulence and saved the money for a human cause. The covid halted the celebrations and festivals in Kerala for two long years. So we least expect anyone to adopt different ways than regaling in full glory. But the temple management worked on a humane note. The saved money for two years was used to build 10 houses for the homeless in the neighborhood. The houses reached completion, and today morning, the key exchange ceremony was conducted under the presence of SNDP general secretary Shri Vellapally Nateshan.

The magnanimous deed also touched a heart of the localities and devotees who supported the initiative. 10 people were selected after receiving applications from the neighborhood. The temple management confirmed that the same process will be carried out in the coming years and has promised of building another 10 homes for the financially downtrodden in society.

On another note, the initiative reminds me of the newly emerged cultural shifts in Kerala. The weddings in Kerala have ship-shaped to opulence and are simply an exemplar of lavishness. Wedding celebrations are worth a king's ransom these days and is celebrated in all exuberance. Many contrarian voices may ask, why question, it's all their money?

Absolutely! no second thoughts about that. Anyone can spend the moolah according to their whims, but it won't be that wrong to just give a helping hand to the needy ones, only if you meet the financial numbers to do so.

House is a primary need for any citizen in the country. The government-initiated plans are moving in lax. From Rs 717 crores allotted for this project only Rs 38 crore has been used. The government has frequently proclaimed out loud about the vanity project of homes to everyone, but if the current progress is to be measured, the move won't reach fruition in the current government term.