It was a dream come true for many underprivileged from the Malayalee community here in Kuwait when Indian Islahi Centre stepped forward to facilitate their return to home during these tough times. Indian Islahi Centre registered with the Ministry of Awqaf and Social Affairs is a welfare group that has been involved in various activities amongst the expatriates in the areas of communal harmony, religious education, relief and charity while enjoining positive struggles and dissuading unpleasantness from the society. With businesses and normal life coming to a grinding halt, the worst hit by the Covid pandemic were the marginal workers who already were struggling to make both ends meet. A huge number of expats has been dependent on various welfare organizations and Kuwait governmental bodies for their basic food supplies since joblessness and stoppage of pay is at an all-time peak.

“The number of similar cases that came to our notice was so huge that we immediately knew something had to be done for these people”, Nabeel, a core volunteer of the IIC free charted flight team told us. The flight touched down at Calicut today morning safely with an overwhelmed 111 passengers who could not have even imagined their repatriation any time soon owing to their financial situation. Around 80 passengers availed the free tickets on Vande Bharat mission rates and those who were extremely struggling did not have to pay anything.

Among the 500 or so applications received, those who had an income of less than 150 dinars or weren’t been paid in the recent months were chosen for the free tickets. “Most of the calls we receive at our counselling team that is part of the IIC crisis management wish they could get back home. The depth of their distress and depression sometimes puts us to tears”, said Anas, an IIC forefront volunteer.

The Jazeera airways chartered flight took off from Kuwait putting a smile on the face of the passengers and sense of satisfaction on the faces of IIC volunteers who streamlined all necessary processes- from PPE and food kits, conveyance to the airport to check in assistance and much more. Around 51 passengers who were able to pay the full fare were also on the flight. “It would not have been made possible if we weren’t blessed by the support of many organizations and well-wishers in the expat community in Kuwait”, said Manaf Mathottam, general secretary of Indian Islahi Centre. He thanked MGM Kuwait, Friday Forum, Indian Community Support Group, Engineers Forum and NSS area for their contributions for the successful execution of this humanitarian effort. “Although we were able to help only a tiny percent, we hope that this effort will inspire and encourage other organizations to come forward to help those voices that are seldom heard”, he added.