International Women’s Day: 08 March 2025
On 8 March 2025, NDS celebrated International Women’s Day under the theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” This year’s theme calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind. NDS Dharmagiri, Vimalagiri Units celebrated this day with differeNt activities and seminars.
NDS Governing Body Meeting: 10 May 2025
NDS Governing Body meeting was conducted on 10.05.2025, at NDS Office Athikariayal, Gudalur. NDS President Rev. Fr. Paul Mundolickal presided over the meeting. NDS Secretary Rev. Fr. Binoy K Sebastian prented the Annual Report and Accounts of the FY 2024-25. The Governing body solemly approved the report and accounts. resolutions were taken regarding the future functioning of the society. Alll the eleven general body mebers participated in the meeting.
International World Environment Day: 05 June 2025
World Environment Day 2025 mobilizes commitment, action to end plastic pollution globally. Plastic pollution permeates every corner of the planet. By 2040, plastic leakage to the environment is predicted to grow by 50 per cent, and that pollution creeps into our bodies through the food we eat, the water we drink, and even the air that we breathe. World Environment Day 2025 calls for collective action to tackle plastic pollution. By drawing inspiration from nature and showcasing real-world solutions, NDS adviced its members to adopt sustainable practices that drive systemic change.
Free Medical Camp
Nilgiris Development Society (NDS) in collaboration with SH Amala Hospital, Pattavayal conducted a free medical camp at Mayfield Estate, Devarsholai on 22 June 2025. The camp was organized by the Pain and Palliative wing of Nilgiris Development Society (NDS)in association with Amala Hospital, Gudalur. The event brought together medical professionals and community volunteers committed to improving rural healthcare delivery. A dedicated team of healthcare professionals participated in the camp, including 3 General Physicians, 4 Nurses, 1 Lab Technician and 4 Community Volunteers. Medical services like General Health Checkups, Blood Pressure & Blood Sugar Testing, Women’s Health Consultation, Basic Lab Investigations, Free Distribution of Essential Medicines and Health Awareness Talks were provided at the medical camp. A total of 60 people working in the tea estates benefitted from the camp.
ESAF Executive Vice President Visit at NDS
ESAF Bank’s Executive Director Hon. Bosco Joseph Sir was given a warm welcome to the Nilgiris Development Society. In the presence of Nilgiri Regional Vicar Fr. Biju Ponparackal, NDS Director Fr. Binoy Kasaamkuttyil welcomed Sir by offering flowers. In the meeting that followed, Fr. Binoy Kassamkuttyil spoke about the social service activities of the Diocese of Mananthavady and specifically about the various activities being implemented in the Nilgiris district under the leadership of NDS. Then Project Co ordinator Joshy T P explained about the tailoring training project to be implemented with the help of ESAF’s CSR fund and submitted the project report. Nilgiri Regional Vicar Fr.Biju Ponparackal spoke about the need for the implementation of the project and its benefits. NDS Asst. Director Fr. Nishwin Thenpalli also attended the meeting.
Housing project
Under the leadership of NDS and with the financial assistance of WSSS, the construction of two houses for two needy families in Dharmagiri parish, Madhathikunnel Binu and Kathulil Xavier, was completed and the new houses were inaugurated by NDS Director Fr. Binoy Kassamkuttyil and Dharmagiri Parish Vicar Fr. Biju Thuruthel. NDS would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to all the well-wishers who helped financially and by purchasing materials for the construction of these houses, and especially to WSSS Director Fr. Jinoj Palathadathil.
SAFP – FDP Project Information Collection
In preparation for the implementation of the Family Development Project, which is part of the Save a Family Program, in the Nilgiris under the auspices of NDS, initial data collection and site visits were conducted under the leadership of SAFP-CDP Manager Mr. Jayakrishnan to identify suitable beneficiaries of this project. They visited Arattupara, Ellamala, Periyashola, Choondi, Kamaraj Nagar, Dharmagiri, Chelivayal, Nadukani, Devala, Nellakotta, Devarshola, Srimadura, Vimalagiri, Thorappally, and Toppakad areas of Gudalur taluk and Uppatti, Ponnani, Nellialam, Kunnaladi, Kottad, and Kalpra areas of Pantallur taluk, held meetings in NDS units, spoke to members, talked about projects under SAFP, and studied the possibilities of implementing the project. NDS Director Fr. Binoy Kassamkuttiyil and Project Co ordinator Joshy T PLed the program.
Vegetable Plants Distribution
Under the guidance and leadership of NDS Kalpra unit Director Fr. Georgekutty and other executive members, vegetable plants were distributed amoung the members to provide residents, especially those in low-income areas with the means to grow their own fresh, healthy vegetable produce.
Vegetable Garden Preparation by NDS Vimalagiri Unit
NDS Vimlagiri unit Women’s groups actively engaged in vegetable garden preparation and maintenance. Seasonable plants like Tomato, brinjal, beans, okra, and leafy greens planned according to Nilgiris climate.
