Massive poverty and inequality are the heavy price we pay for economic progress, making the rich richer, and the poor poorer. Such injustice is a terrible curse of our times - times in which the world boasts rapid advances in science, technology, industry and wealth accumulation. The much-hyped egalitarian nature of Kerala society is nothing but a myth. The state’s lucky rich spend money wantonly on princely mansions, fast cars, five-star bars, foreign holidays and fancy weddings, while forgetting that there is a vast mass of humanity out there struggling for a roof over their heads and one square meal a day! You can find these unfortunate souls everywhere. In cities, towns and villages. On the hills, in the plains and by the seaside. Men, women and children in their thousands. Their bodies wasted; their spirit broken; their hopes shattered; their morale destroyed. Some of them are able-bodied and willing to work, but nobody cares to give them jobs. There are others who are mentally or physically disabled, but the state’s medical apparatus is off-limits to them! The old and the infirm have their own story of misery and squalor. Men and women who have been left in the lurch by their own kith and kin, unwanted and unloved, with nobody to look after them in the evening of their lives! Neither the government nor the society recognises the existence of such a huge mass of marginalised, malnourished, underprivileged people wallowing in perpetual poverty and hunger. The government’s welfare programmes are beyond their reach, because these people are aliens in their own land. They are not on the voters’ list; they have no PAN number, no identity card, no tax receipt, no ration card. As members of a civilised and conscientious society, can we ignore this unspeakable poverty, and still find peace and happiness in our lives Removing poverty is not a gesture of charity; it is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right ... the right to dignity and a decent life for all. Let’s do our mite to rehabilitate these long-suffering brethren, helping them build a happy and secure life for themselves. Remember, no sentiment is nobler than care and compassion towards the sick, the weak and the needy. We invite you to be part of our mission ... to rescue this neglected humanity, giving them a new, secure life of hope and happiness. We know ours is a long and arduous task. But even the longest journey starts with a single ‘first step.’ Let’s begin our life-building mission by taking that crucial first step. NOW!
