When the Waters Rose, So Did Their Resolve
In 2018, Kerala faced one of the most devastating floods in recent history. While the water receded, the impact on lives and livelihoods lingered for months.
In Kottayam, three friends—Sindhu, Santhamma, and Geetanjali—who had built a small but thriving catering business, saw their plans wash away. Their dream of expanding their menu and earning more was suddenly put on hold.
But what didn’t drown in the flood was their spirit.
Stitching Back Stability with Food and Grit
When Goonj began engaging with communities during rehabilitation efforts, women were the first to show up—not to ask, but to act. From setting up stitching units to home-based snack production, they shaped their own recovery.
For Sindhu and her friends, it wasn’t about starting over—it was about picking up from where they left off, stronger.
Through Goonj’s Vaapsi initiative, they got multiple Idiyappam makers—tools tailored to their skill and context, not generic relief. The result? Their business found new footing.
More Than Meals—A Recipe for Confidence
Today, their small catering venture isn’t just back—it’s thriving.
- Santhamma started driving classes and takes care of her daughter’s education—without financial dependence.
- Geetanjali is covering her daughter’s nursing school fees.
- The group is now planning to supply Idiyappams to local shops and hostels, expanding their reach.
What began as three friends with a pause in business turned into a model of collective ownership, financial resilience, and women-led change.
From Relief to Ownership — The Goonj Way
This isn’t a story of aid. It’s a story of how material, when thoughtfully given, can trigger agency.
Goonj didn’t provide a finished solution. We simply walked alongside—recognizing the women’s strength and contributing with material that respected their skills and pace.
It’s not just about idiyappams. It’s about dignity returning to kitchens, schools, and homes.
Final Reflection
Floods may have swept away their tools—but not their talent.
What Sindhu, Santhamma, and Geetanjali built back wasn’t just a business—it was confidence, community, and continuity.
This is Vaapsi, the Goonj way—where relief turns into renewal, and people lead their own return.
Be a Part of Change
Our invitation to you is, start from where you are.. From a small change of starting a Goonj kee Gullak or Team 5000, joining a long and deep change process, or things in between- organising a collection drive, a volunteering journey, an internship, or simply walking with us signing for a Goonj monthly newsletter subscription.. More on www.goonj.org or write to [email protected].
Many options, but the choice is always one; Taking Action..
