Safe Within, Reconnect Wayanad & Vilangad project launched on Kerala’s 70th formation day

Marking a powerful symbol of resilience and renewal, Caritas India launched the Safe Within, Reconnect Wayanad & Vilangad Project on November 1, 2025 — coinciding with Kerala Piravi Dinam, the 70th anniversary of Kerala’s formation. The project, implemented in collaboration with KSSF and four partner organizations, represents the Catholic Church in India’s commitment to rebuilding lives affected by disasters and fostering long-term community resilience and psychosocial well-being.

The launch ceremony, held at Shreyas, Sulthan Bathery, brought together representatives from partner organizations, local government, faith leaders, and community stakeholders. The event began with a prayer, followed by a welcome address from Fr. Jacob Mavunkal, Executive Director of KSSF, who recalled Caritas India’s early interventions in Wayanad and Vilangad and praised its continued dedication to the landslide-affected communities.

Delivering the presidential address, Fr. Jesudass R., Executive Director of Caritas India, described the initiative as “a testimony of faith, solidarity, and commitment for resilience.” He emphasized collaboration as the foundation of sustainable recovery, noting that “Safe Within is not merely a project for Kerala but a model initiative for communities nationwide to stand with confidence and dignity.”

The project was officially inaugurated by Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Thomas, who lit the ceremonial lamp, symbolizing light and hope. Calling the project a “dedication by the Catholic Church in India to the people of Kerala on its 70th birthday,” the Bishop urged all partners to uphold three guiding principles — Right Thinking, Right Planning, and Hard Work — as the pillars of the project’s success.

In his keynote address, Shri T.K. Ramesh, Municipal Chairman of Sulthan Bathery, lauded Caritas India’s compassionate and people-centered approach. He said, “True recovery extends beyond physical aid. It’s about ensuring people feel safe, comforted, and cared for — the essence of this project.” He highlighted the project’s scientific and participatory design, shaped by lessons from past disasters.

Dr. V.R. Haridas outlined the project’s conceptual framework built around four resilience components — risk, psycho-social, livelihood, and networking resilience — offering a holistic model for sustainable recovery. Felicitations followed from Ms. Radha Raveendran, Ward Councillor, and the Executive Directors of partner organizations, who reaffirmed their commitment to the project’s grassroots implementation.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Fr. David Alinkal, Executive Director of Shreyas. He acknowledged Caritas India’s unwavering support, stating, “Caritas India is always the first to reach any disaster-affected community and the last to leave, ensuring that hope, dignity, and compassion remain intact.”

Following the inauguration, a partners’ meeting was held with the participation of Fr. Jesudass R. and partner directors. The session focused on implementation strategies, community engagement, and innovations to strengthen the project’s four resilience pillars.

As Kerala celebrated seven decades of unity and progress, the launch of Safe Within, Reconnect Wayanad & Vilangad stood out as a “Kerala Piravi gift” — a living expression of solidarity from the Catholic Church to the people of Kerala. It marked not just a new project, but a renewed journey of faith in action — rebuilding lives with compassion, resilience, and dignity.