Disaster Relief Activities

DISASTER RELIEF AND REHABILITATION

Organized by Vivekananda Darshanika Samajam (VDS)

Vivekananda Darshanika Samajam (VDS) has stood unwaveringly with the people of Kerala during some of the most devastating natural calamities in recent memory. Guided by Swami Vivekananda’s ideal—“Serve man, serve God”—our volunteers have reached the remotest corners of the state to transform distress into dignity through organized relief, rehabilitation, and community empowerment.

Our Approach

Our disaster response model is holistic and hands-on. In the immediate aftermath of a calamity, VDS teams launch emergency relief—distributing food, clothing, medicines, and shelter materials within hours. Volunteers conduct on-ground assessments in affected regions, ensuring that aid is tailored to what people truly need. Over the years, our work has been strengthened by collaborations with government agencies, non-government bodies such as the Ramakrishna Mission, local administrations, and civil society.

Kerala Floods (2018–2019)

During the catastrophic floods of 2018 and 2019, VDS carried out extensive relief operations across

Palakkad, Wayanad, Malappuram, Kottayam, Idukki, and Alappuzha.

Over ₹40 lakhs worth of relief materials were distributed in partnership with the Ramakrishna Mission, reaching more than 5,000 individuals in 1,800+ families.
To support education continuity, 10,000+ notebooks, geometry boxes, and study kits were given to affected students.
In the second phase of relief, VDS provided housing assistance, helping ten families reconstruct their homes.

Munnar Landslide Response (2020)

In 2020, when unprecedented rains and landslides struck Munnar, Idukki, VDS volunteers arrived within hours to assist rescue efforts.
They worked alongside the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Fire and Rescue Services, helping clear debris and supporting search operations. VDS representatives met directly with the NDRF Deputy Commandant, sharing suggestions to improve field coordination, which were warmly received and implemented.

Relief Efforts during Floods of 2021

When heavy rains and landslides again devastated parts of Kerala in 2021, VDS launched a new phase of relief.

Our teams reached Kootickal (Kottayam) and Kokkayar (Idukki) to assist affected families. Recognizing that many survivors had no homes left to store supplies, VDS provided financial assistance as a more effective form of support, allowing families to prioritize their most urgent needs.

Key contributions included providing financial aid to families in Mukkulam whose houses were destroyed, to the family of a young man who lost his life in the landslide, and to eight families staying at a relief camp in Elankad, Mundakayam SNDP School. VDS also cleared debris blocking a bridge in Elankad Njerkad, restoring connectivity.

Material Distribution in Relief Camps

During the floods of 2021, joining hands with the Coimbatore Ramakrishna Mission, VDS distributed relief materials to over 700 people sheltered at relief camps in CMS High School Mundakayam, St Joseph Convent School Mundakayam, and St George High School Kootickal.

Essential items distributed included:

Bed sheets and mats
Shirts, dhotis, women’s wear, and t-shirts
Soaps, toothbrushes, and toothpaste

Housing Assistance and Financial Aid

Across Idukki, Kottayam, and Nilambur, VDS have extended financial aid to more than 50 families, enabling them to rebuild homes destroyed by floods and landslides. Every beneficiary was verified carefully to ensure that assistance reached those in genuine need.

“At the end of the day, we hope we have lived up to the noble vision of serving humanity, and inspired others to do the same.”

Our Guiding Philosophy

“You have cried enough. Stand on your own feet and be men.”
— Swami Vivekananda

At the core of our work lies the spirit of Daridra Narayana Seva—serving the divine through service to those in need. For VDS, disaster relief is not just about distributing supplies. It is about restoring faith, dignity, and resilience in thousands of lives across Kerala.