They protect our country. It’s time we protect their families.

Our lives are indebted to India’s soldiers, our nation’s heroes who fight in inhospitable terrains to protect our country. Habitat for Humanity India builds homes for bereaved families of India’s soldiers through our ‘Habitat for Heroes’ program. This initiative seeks to engage citizens of the country, corporates, and volunteers to help India’s soldiers and families of fallen soldiers in their need for decent shelter, with the belief that we must serve those who have served us. The Habitat for Heroes project is our homage to the martyred soldiers. We are committed to providing sustainable housing solutions to their families. The Habitat for Heroes project initiative seeks to engage citizens of the country to help India’s soldiers and families of fallen soldiers in their need for decent shelter, with the belief that we must serve those who have served us.

Our work with the district authorities and grass-root level partners has helped us identify many such families in Maharashtra who are in need of decent shelter. Habitat for Humanity India builds homes with families of India’s soldiers, to help them live in safety and security. As of June 30th, 2021, 6 families have been served through decent homes.

Donations made to Habitat for Humanity India are eligible for Tax Exemption under Section 80G. Habitat for Humanity India has been awarded 1A – the highest rating by CRISIL.

Stories:
A Safe Home Provides Security For The Future-

Rukkatai Martunda Birange a 65-year-old widow and a mother lives with her daughter-in-law Archana in Sainik Takli Village, Kolhapur. All her life, Rukkatai has seen the life of military soldiers. Her husband Martunda Birgane served in the army and was also a part of World War II. Martunda and Rukkatai had three sons - Vilas, Ashok and Arjun. All the boys served in the army. Arjun completed 10th grade and applied to the Indian Army. On 15th December 1989, Arjun was selected to join the 2nd Mahar Regiment of the Indian Army. Arjun married Archana in March 1993 and together they have two children - Vikram (23) and Divya (20). During his service in Kargil as a Lance Naik, Arjun lost his life in action on 21st August 2001. The family was in shock. As they had just recovered from the loss, the family lost their elder son Vilas in 2007 due to health ailments. Ashok had also succumbed to illness and had passed away. The family has been dependent on the pension received from the army. Archana spent most of the savings on her children’s education.

After a lot of toiling and efforts, Archana was able to educate their children Vikram and Divya till 12th grade. Vikram wants to follow in his father’s footsteps and has been preparing for military exams. Divya was married in May 2019. The family has been living in their ancestral home which was falling apart. Due to a lack of money, the family was not able to repair the home. Maharashtra witnessed the worst floods in August 2019. During the floods that created havoc in the Kolhapur district, Rukkatai’s house was underwater for more than a week. The family lost most of their belongings. Rukkatai and the family took shelter in Archana’s home. With no money to rebuild their home, Rukkatai and Archana are unsure of their future. While families of soldiers who served in the military are well looked after, losing earning members of the family meant they were unable to realize the dream of building a decent home. Through the Habitat for Heroes initiative, Habitat for Humanity India mobilizes support to help families who lost their sons and daughters in service of the country with the belief that we are duty-bound to serve those who have served us. Archana, Rukkatai, and their family moved into their new home in June 2021. “When my husband was martyred in 2001, our family was distraught. We were trying to get back on our feet but the floods last year destroyed our home. Habitat India helped us survive and we will now have a home of our own. During the pandemic, this home can also protect us from the virus.” says Archana.

About OIS:

Orchids International Schools – Social Empowerment through Work Education and Action (SEWA Project with Habitat for Humanity India)

Orchids The International School always believes in serving the deprived section of the society through its various social services projects for the betterment of the vulnerable people. The aim of these projects is to sensitize the children and nurture them to become a socially responsible citizen in future.

This year, under Social Empowerment through Work Education and Action (SEWA) Orchid schools have partnered with leading international charity – Habitat for Humanity India. Habitat India is a non-profit organisation building strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable housing and sanitation facilities. Their vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

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