PALAKKAD, KERALA (India CSR): In a heartwarming stride toward social equity, the Kurumba Educational and Charitable Trust, the CSR arm of the SOBHA Group, marked a significant milestone by laying the foundation stone for 120 free homes under its ambitious “GRIHA SOBHA” initiative. Launched in 2022, this flagship program aims to construct 1,000 homes for women-led, resource-limited families across Kerala’s Palakkad district. The event, held as part of the SOBHA Community Home Project – Phase III, reflects a deep commitment to uplifting vulnerable communities by providing them with the security and dignity of a home.
The ceremony was graced by prominent leaders, including Dr. R Bindu, Kerala’s Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice, who laid the foundation stone, and K Rajan, Minister for Revenue and Housing, who inaugurated the phase. For the families receiving these homes—many of whom have struggled with inadequate housing or landlessness—this initiative is more than just shelter; it’s a lifeline to stability and hope.
A Vision Rooted in Empowerment
The GRIHA SOBHA initiative is the brainchild of PNC Menon, Founder of SOBHA Group, and his wife, Sobha Menon, who established the Sri Kurumba Trust in 1994. With a mission to address housing disparities, the Trust has already delivered 230 homes in Palakkad’s Kizhakkencherry Panchayat, including 13 to landless families who received both land and a fully constructed house. The latest phase, targeting 120 homes, builds on this legacy, focusing on women-led households—a group often disproportionately affected by economic hardship.
Speaking at the event, Menon emphasized the transformative power of housing: “A home is more than walls and a roof—it’s a foundation for dreams. For women raising families under challenging circumstances, secure housing unlocks opportunities for education, health, and independence. GRIHA SOBHA is our pledge to create ripple effects of positive change.”
A Community-Centric Celebration
The foundation-laying ceremony drew a distinguished gathering of local leaders and dignitaries, underscoring the initiative’s community impact. Attendees included K.D. Prasenan, MLA of Alathur; P.P. Sumod, MLA of Tarur; and several Panchayat presidents such as Smt. K. Binumol (District Panchayat, Palakkad) and Smt. Kavitha Madhavan (Kizhakkencherry Grama Panchayat). Former ministers K.E. Ismail and V.C. Kabeer also lent their support, highlighting the project’s alignment with Kerala’s social justice goals.
For the beneficiaries, the event was a moment of joy and anticipation. Many expressed gratitude for the chance to own a home, a dream previously out of reach due to financial constraints. The Trust’s focus on women-led families resonates deeply in a region where single mothers and widows often face systemic barriers.
Beyond Housing: A Holistic Approach to Upliftment
The Kurumba Trust’s efforts extend far beyond GRIHA SOBHA. Operating across Kizhakkenchery, Vadakkenchery, and Kannambra panchayats, the Trust champions education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment—all free of cost. The SOBHA Academy and SOBHA Icon educate 1,500 students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, supporting 2,300 families with free education, meals, and transportation. Meanwhile, the SOBHA Feed a Stomach Today (FAST) program delivers over 4,500 meals daily to the elderly and schoolchildren, while SOBHA Health Care has treated over 3.5 lakh patients.
The Trust also empowers women through initiatives like the No Dowry Social Wedding program, which has supported 697 marriages, and a widow rehabilitation program aiding 50 young widows. With over 75% of its workforce being women, the Trust sets a powerful example of gender inclusion.
Building a Sustainable Future
As GRIHA SOBHA progresses toward its 1,000-home goal, the initiative aligns with broader sustainable development objectives, addressing housing insecurity while fostering community resilience. Each home is designed to be durable and eco-friendly, reflecting SOBHA Group’s expertise in real estate innovation. For the families moving in, these homes promise not just shelter but a fresh start—a place where children can study, parents can plan, and futures can thrive.
With Phase III now underway, the Kurumba Trust continues to redefine corporate social responsibility, proving that compassion and action can transform lives, one home at a time.
(India CSR)
