Their dedication changed lives of the destitute

KOTTAYAM: One need not join a political party or a social  service organisation to serve the poor. So proves  philanthropists P C George and his sister Leyamma Cherian who  have dedicated their lives for the destitute.Their saga of dedication began in 1933 when George offered  shelter to some destitute in his small house at Manganam.  After hearing about his generosity, more people came to him  seeking help and George happily accommodated them too in the   temporary shelter. His sister Leyamma and the local people didn’t have to think twice to lend a helping hand to him.  Now, 78 years after this, the initiatives started by George and Leyamma are a support system for the poor and those abandoned by their children.   The work started by the siblings is still continuing under the banner of Mundakapadam Mandiram Society. Registered as a charitable organisation, the society has charted ‘Vision-2020’  for taking up more projects for the benefit of society, secretary of the society M I Andrews told Express.The society has Agathimandiram (1933), Mandiram Hospital (1943), Juhanon Mar Thoma Mandiram (1977), Balika Mandiram  (2001) and Sapthaty Memorial Senior Citizens Home (2003), under its governance.  People from different religions and castes live in the Agahthimandiram where free food and medical attention are provided.The society is governed by three Episcopal Churches, the    Malankara Orthodox Church, Mar Thoma Syrian Church and the   Madhya Kerala Diocese of the Church of South India, Fr K C Mathew, secretary, Mandiram Fellowship, a core group, said. A total of 2,490 destitute are being provided shelter in this home till March this year. The funds are met by friends, parishes, institutions and state government.Rev Fr Mathew said both George and Leyamma were so dedicated to serve the people that they did not find time to set up families. “Their love for the mankind was such that Leyamma dedicated her life to the cause at age of 30.“ George then set up a dispensary, headed by a retired doctor and couple of helpers, to take care of the people of this area in 1943.George breathed his last working for the people at the age of 50 but not without setting examples of loving the helpless.