Koi Hai…Hamesha: How a Kotak Life team helped a rehabilitation centre in Kerala

After days of incessant rains, the people of Kerala have got back on their feet to clean up and resume normal living. In many areas, the sanitary conditions in the aftermath of the flood are quite poor and highly conducive to the spreading of diseases.

Kotak Life stood with the people of Kerala when calamity struck. The company’s mission is to bring assurance to people’s lives. This message resonated with the devastating situation in Kerala where several people lost everything they've built their whole life. Realising that those stricken by old-age and people who were mentally challenged in the state of Kerala were unable to involve in the cleaning efforts, Kotak Life set out on a mission to clean their homes.

A challenge for the elderly and people with intellectual disabilities

Although cleaning efforts are in full swing, not everyone can get back on their feet to play their part. Kerala has over 500 old-age homes and several homes for the mentally challenged, and many of these were destroyed during the floods. Among the red alerts issued in several areas like Chengannur, Aluva and Thiruvalla, Chalakudy was one of the areas that was severely affected. This town was entirely submerged with residential area, shops & establishments, schools, hospitals, and religious centers, all under water.

On August 28th and 29th, 2018, around 80 employees from Kotak Life based out of Kerala travelled to Chalakudy to conduct a thorough clean-up activity in and around the premises of Divine Retreat Centre, a massive missionary centre located in Muringoor, Chalakudy. It facilitates an old age home, de-addiction center, cancer care center, orphanage, mental institution and more with a total strength of 800 inmates. Led by Mr. Deepak Varma (Executive Vice President, Kotak Life) and Mr. Deep Paul (Regional Manager, Kotak Life), this dedicated group from Kotak Life took up the massive task of sanitising these areas.

Deepak Varma shares his experience, “I feel privileged to have had an opportunity to not only visit Maria Shanti Bhavan but also contribute to its rehabilitation. In times of such calamity, it’s gratifying to be able to provide succour to the needy in whatever little ways we can.”

A helping hand

While monetary efforts are a big step towards helping out a state affected by a disaster, getting out on the field and into the slush and dirt to help those challenged is an even bigger effort. The brand truly lives up to its promise of Koi Hai…Hamesha that translates to ‘we are with you always’. The Kotak Life team’s efforts are a meaningful step towards restoring the lives of Kerala residents to normalcy and letting the people of Kerala know that they are always there for them.