MAALA: Several families in Prem Nagar Colony in Pazhookkara are currently praying for the health of Thiruvananthapuram Jagathy native Premachandra Kurup (74), who is currently on rest after undergoing angioplasty. Those prayers are the symbol of gratitude for a lifetime. It is people's love for an officer who served them. KS Premachandra Kurup, who was the Thrissur district collector, had played a crucial role in providing safe houses to women of 19 families.

The year was 2006. Three women and a man from Pazhookkara came to the Collectorate with a petition seeking help to renovate their houses. Upon going through the petition, Premachandra Kurup visited their houses. There were a total of 19 houses. The houses were about to collapse. Each house had around 2 to 6 members. Upon seeing the plight of these families, the Collector got mentally disturbed. How to help them? Laksham Veedu does not come under the definition of a slum. Government approval is required for works related to the Laksham Housing project.

After much thinking, the Collector decided to move ahead with the renovation work. 40 lakhs were estimated for the reconstruction of houses. 25 lakhs should be taken from the incentive in the National Savings Scheme. The collector ensured Block Panchayat's participation by calling Maala BDO. He also informed Maala Panchayat President and Secretary. The amount was deposited in an account in the name of the Block Panchayat Secretary. Friends working abroad and an organization in Doha helped. The MLA did not cooperate. The collector visited the area every week. The work was completed in seven months.

After the project was finished, the residents said that they wished to rename the colony after the Collector. That is how the colony became Prem Nagar Housing Colony. It was Sukumar Azhikode who inaugurated the colony. Those beautiful memories have currently become prayers for Premachandra Kurup.