MAR CHRYSOSTOM NAVATHY

House is one of the basic needs of all humans and it is a tragic reality that there are millions of houseless people in India even in the 21'st century. Though India is a developing nation today with a great economic boom, yet the number of people who are landless and houseless are also growing. The pain of a family without a house of their own is inexpressible by words and we who are fortunate to have a good house of our own are responsible to become a source of comfort and support for these unfortunate families.  it is the time the church and the society as a whole respond creatively and immediately to the growing needs of homeless families.

      The Mar Thoma Syrian Church in Kerala has thus devised a new project "Navathy Home Project" to support and enable 1500 families in India to build a house of their own.  The Project is available to every needy person without any religious or caste distinction. Though it is reality that we have millions of homeless families the church is making a beginning with 1500 homes with a hope to give home for every one in need.

      The Navathy project is initiated as part of the celebration of the 90'th Birthday of the Supreme head of the Mar Thoma Church His Grace the Most Rev. Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom Mar Thoma Metropolitan which falls on the 27'th of April, 2007.This is an occasion of thanks giving and celebration for the church and the society.  Let us praise God for the enormous contribution the Metropolitan has made to the Mar Thoma Church and to the society irrespective of Religion or caste. The Metropolitan has made millions of people to laugh ,think and act with the golden words flowing from his lips and hence it is meaningful to celebrate this great occasion of "Navathy".  The church has decided to commemorate this great occasion by helping 1500 unfortunate families irrespective of Religion or Caste to construct houses.

     The Navathy home is proposed to be built at a cost of Rs.60,000 and the basic plan of the low cost house consist of a Sit Out, Drawing Room, Dining Room, Bed Room, Toilet and Kitchen. The cost effectiveness is possible with the use of interlocking bricks, roof tiles, pre- fabricated windows, bulk production of low cost wooden doors and iron roof-truss. The plumbing and electrification shall be done with the contribution from the beneficiary or sponsoring church/ organization. The construction itself should be a team work of the local parish Vicar and members of the Youth league and other volunteers from the parish.

     Our contribution as Mar Thoma Sunday School  from Kuwait: "Navathy" was celebrated on 27th April 2007 during the Sunday School Assembly under the leadership of Rev. Joseph K. George. Prayer, cutting the Cake, distributing sweets, giving a general presentation about Navathy etc. were the main programmes.  A cover collection was taken on Friday, 11th May 2007, for the project as described in the notice sent to every home with the students.   Let us remember this great mission in our daily prayers and contribute liberally for this deserving cause..

About Mar Chrysostom Thirumeni