In the spirit of service and compassion, the Sri Sathya Sai Centre Thavady embarked on a meaningful Housing Project to provide a secure and comfortable residence for a deserving family. The primary objectives of this project were to offer a protective shelter for the family and to instil hope and support within the hearts of its members.
The beneficiary family consists of four members: Mr Balasundaram Senthil the family's breadwinner, Mrs. Piramila Senthil, and their two daughters aged 11 and 4, Miss. Dinushiya Senthil and Miss. Mithushiya Senthil. Their modest income averaged around Rs. 10,000 per month, making it challenging to meet their basic needs. Mr Senthil had previously worked as a mason and was compelled to transition into a role as a coconut plucker, which provided a lower income and allowed him to continue supporting his family. His wife is a homemaker, and both of their daughters are very intelligent students and actively participate in SSE classes, reflecting their dedication to personal growth and spiritual development.
Despite their determination and resilience, the family faced significant challenges, particularly in terms of housing. Their current dwelling lacked the safety and comfort required, especially during adverse weather conditions. The Sri Sathya Sai Centre Thavady recognized the urgency of addressing this need, not only to provide a secure residence but also to create an environment conducive to the children's education and well-being.
The Housing Project was conceived and developed in consultation with the family, aligning with their specific requirements and circumstances. The project's budget amounted to Rs. 1,955,436.50. The core stakeholders involved in this endeavour included the Center President and Center Service Coordinator of Thavady, Young Adult members from Thavady, the President of SSSIO – Northern Region, the President of the National Council SSSIO in Sri Lanka, and, most importantly, the family members themselves.
The construction of the house was carried out entirely by dedicated members of the Sai Centre, who contributed their time and effort to ensure the project's success. Monitoring and follow-up were executed by the Center President, Service Coordinator, and Young Adults to guarantee that the construction adhered to the minimum standards and maintained its quality.
On September 10th, 2023, the Sri Sathya Sai Centre Thavady achieved a significant milestone by handing over a newly constructed house to the deserving family. The new home provided this family of four with the safety and comfort they desperately needed.
This Housing Project reflects the core values of service and compassion advocated by Sri Sathya Sai Baba. The Sri Sathya Sai Centre Thavady is committed to continuing its support for this family and assisting them in achieving self-sufficiency to meet their basic needs in the long run. The project's success serves as a testament to the transformative power of collective efforts in making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.