The names of the other members of the Committee are given below.
1 . Dr. Alexander Karakkal (Association Secretary)
2. Sri. P C Abraham (Lay Trustee)
3. Rev. Fr. O. Thomas (Priest Trustee)
4. V Rev. Jacob Mannaraprayil Cor-episcopa
5. Rev.Fr. Thomas Johnson
6. Rev.Fr. K.P Issac
7. Rev.Fr. Jacob Zachariah
8. Rev.Fr. T.J. Alexander
9. Sri. Jiji Thomson ULS
10. Sri. Cherian P Koshy
11. Sri. PM. Paily Pillai
12. Sri. Mathai Mampallil
13. Prof S Ninan
14. Prof. K.C. George
15. Prof Jacob Kurian Onattu
16. Sri. Mathew Veerappallil
17. Sri. VG. Koshy
18. Sri. A.X Thomas (Convener)

Over and above the Central assistance given to 2440 beneficiaries during the, previous year an amount of Rs. 1360000 was given to 136 applicants as Central assistance during the year under report. At this juncture it may kindly be noted that so far an amount of
Rs.14342000 has been utilized as Central share alone for the 2576 houses selected and constructed under the scheme. The total receipts and payments under the scheme for the year 2005-2006 are shown as Appendix I.

As was done previously the, 136 recipients of the scheme for the, period under the report  were selected from various dioceses and the Central assistance at the rate of Rs. 10000/- per house was given through the Diocesan Metropolitan concerned. As per the provisions of the scheme, the balance cost of the house amounting to Rs. 30000 namely three fourth
of the cost has been met by the beneficiary, the Parish and the Diocese. It may be seen from the receipts and payments accounts furnished in the report that the major part of the finances for the scheme came from the corpus funds from Parumala Church and the interest accrued out of the balance left from previous years. Here again it is worth mentioning that the gracious grant received from the West Phalia Church of Germany, originally at the beginning of the scheme and the balance that was unused is still continuing to assist the successful continuation of the scheme.

It is a fact that the Central Committee in the recent meeting held during the month of June, 2006 have raised the estimated cost of the building to be constructed as Rs.50000/- from Rs.40000/-and as such the central assistance at Rs. 12500 per house is to be paid from this year onwards. Also it has been decided that during the current year not less than 120 houses are expected to be constructed for which Rs.15/- lakhs is required for meeting the central share. As it is a fact that the said amount is expected to be raised as donation from individuals and institutions, all concerned are requested to render maximum help in this regard. In this connection it is expected that all the members of the Orthodox Church especially the members of the committees at various levels will do their utmost for the continuance of the scheme in the most efficient manner as it is a felt need of the public at large.

It is noted with deep satisfaction and gratitude that the valuable guidance and directions given in this regard by H.H. Baselios Marthoma Mathews 11, former Catholicos and Malankara Metropolitan and H.G. Geevarghese Mar Osthathios Metropolitan, Niranam Diocese, the Patron and Presidentof the House Building Assistance Scheme respectively, were of great help, for the successful implementation of the scheme.


ARDRA Charitable Society

The Rationale

In these days of sick hurry and divided aims, life is not a cakewalk, a bed of roses for anyone. Yet a sizeable section of our species, including us, have been compensated with blessings galore - good health, material prosperity, recreational facilities, intellectual pursuits, social life et al. Our Heavenly Creator wants us to thank Him for all these blessings not through mere lipservice, but through love and compassion for our less privileged brethren. Compassion in action - that is what Ardra stands for.

Ardra
Etymologically derived from the Sanskrit word Ardra - Ardram in Malayalam - the name means compassion, fellow-feeling or sorrow for the sufferings of another. Ardra strives to help the poor and needy by providing primary necessities, education, medical care, job-training, marriage assistance, employment etc. This charitable society derives its inspiration from our Lord whose compassion towards suffering humanity was boundless. The one who loved us with an everlasting love has often called upon us to translate our love and pity into deeds, into meaningful gestures.

The Society
Formed in August 2001, Ardra is under the direct patronage of H.H. Baselios Marthoma Mathews II, Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan. Registered (No. K. 451) under the provision of Travancore-Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration Act 12 of 1955 with its head office at Kottayam, Ardra is a non-profit charitable organisation operating throughout India.

The Aim
Ardra aims to work for the educational, social, cultural, spiritual and economic     advancement of the marginalised people of India .-respective of caste, creed or  community.

Programmes and Projects

• Engage in charitable and social service activities to help the poor and the needy.
• Promote education at all levels and improve quality of education among the people in general, and minorities and backward classes in particular.
• Establish educational, technical, professional and commercial institutions, job training centres and adult education centres.
• Establish hospitals, clinics, 'laboratories, ambulance services, hostels, orphanages, libraries and reading rooms, old age homes and homes for the handicapped.
• Establish and administer agricultural farms, village and cottage industries and other industrial enterprises, encourage self employment and provide job, opportunities to the unemployed.
• Influence the decision-making process at various government levels in favour of marginalised and powerless masses regardless of caste, creed or political allegiance.
• Establish centres for counselling and promote moral and spiritual values among the public.