KCD Visit and Support for the Ardram Project of the Diocese of Malabar
A Visit of KCD to Wayanad Landslide Disaster Sites and Support the Ardram Project of the Diocese of Malabar
On October 9, 2025, Rt. Rev. Dr. Vincent Vinod Kumar, Bishop of the Karnataka Central Diocese (KCD), along with diocesan officers and representatives from the East Parade Malayalam & Tamil Pastorates, visited the flood and landslide-affected areas of Mundakkai, Wayanad.
The delegation joined Rt. Rev. Dr. Royce Manoj Victor, Bishop of the Diocese of Malabar, clergy, and office bearers in witnessing the ongoing rehabilitation work under the Ardram Project—a compassionate initiative to rebuild homes and restore hope for families devastated by the July 2024 landslide.
Through this partnership, KCD contributed to the construction of three new houses, embodying the Church’s call to stand with those who suffer and rebuild lives with dignity and love.
As we are aware, In the early hours of July 30, 2024, the serene hills of Wayanad were violently shaken by a catastrophic landslide—one of the most devastating natural disasters in the recent history of Kerala. Triggered by torrential rainfall around 12:30 AM, the disaster wreaked havoc on the villages of Punjirimattom, Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Vellarimala in the Meppadi panchayat, leaving behind a scarred landscape and unimaginable human suffering.
Entire communities were swept away as the landslide destroyed homes, agricultural lands, and vital infrastructure. More than 420 lives were lost, 397 individuals sustained injuries, and 118 people remain missing. The sole bridge linking Mundakkai and Chooralmala was obliterated, cutting off critical access to the affected areas. The Vellarimala Government Vocational Higher Secondary School was among the many institutions engulfed in the disaster, while the hillsides bore deep and permanent wounds of mud and rock.
Amid this profound tragedy, the Diocese of Malabar arised with a spirit of Christian solidarity and by their compassionate mission. Under the visionary leadership of Rt. Rev. Dr. Royce Manoj Victor, the Diocese initiated the “Ardram Project”—a humanitarian and reconstructive effort aimed at reviving the lives of those devastated by the landslide. The Diocese has undertaken the construction of 16 individual houses on a 1 acre and 10 cents plot of land near Thrikaipatta, Wayanad, with sustainable water provisions. This initiative embodies the Church’s commitment to standing with the marginalized and rebuilding lives with dignity and hope.
The Diocese of Karnataka Central (KCD), inspired by this missional vision, expressed its solidarity with the affected community. Rt. Rev. Dr. Vincent Vinod Kumar, Bishop of KCD, mobilized diocesan leadership, officers, and congregations to extend generous financial contributions and prayerful support to the people of Mundakkai.
The delegation from Karnataka Central Diocese included:
Rt. Rev. Dr. Vincent Vinod Kumar (Bishop, KCD)
Rev. Sathish Timothy Paul (Vice President, KCD)
Rev. J. Christopher Samuel (Secretary, KCD)
Dr. Solomon Raju (Treasurer, KCD)
Mr. Devdas Sadhu (Associate Treasurer, KCD)
Rev. Jijo Abraham, Mr. Jiby Epean Mathew, Mr. Jose Thomas (East Parade Malayalam Church)
Rev. Solomon Devakumar, Mr. Dot Rajan (East Parade Tamil Church)
Rev. Ebin K. P. (St. James CSI Malayalam Church, Bangalore)
Rev. Sibin Stanley (CSI Holy Cross Malayalam Church).
This collective act of solidarity powerfully manifested the unity, compassion, and shared missional commitment that bind the Church of South India as one body in Christ. The Diocese of Malabar extended gracious hospitality to the visited delegates, and the Bishop of Malabar formally felicitated Bishop Vincent Vinod Kumar and the officers of KCD for their visit and unwavering support. In turn our Bishop also honoured the Bishop of the Diocese of Malabar.
The visit not only strengthened inter-diocesan bonds but also embodied the practical theology of presence, where the Church stands beside those in pain—not merely as benefactors, but as companions in their journey toward healing and restoration. It is a living testimony that the Church’s mission goes beyond the pulpit, reaching the margins with tangible acts of love, reconstruction, and hope.
Rev. J. Christopher Samuel
Diocesan Secretary
