One Man is transforming a Village named Kizhakkambalam in Kerala with a movement called Twenty20. Wish our political parties take a look and learn something !
Mr. M. C. Jacob started the Anna Aluminum and then Kitex garments many years back and today his son Mr.Sabu Jacob has taken up transforming the panchayat as the Model panchayat of India. Once known for poverty, illness and all sorts of non development issues, Today Kizhakkambalam panchayat does not have a slum, provides drinking water to all, provides food at 50- 70% below MRP, free medicines, wide roads, marriage support along with other sustainable initiatives like agriculture, fish farming, goat farming etc. All this facing tough opposition from all political parties. Last election twenty20 supported individuals won the panchayat election. And this year they are spending the Govt funds in a proper manner without curroption. 80% of the panchayat residents are now members of Twenty20 movement coz they understand the benefits of a corporate led local governance.
Was lucky to have a short interaction with the leader himself and I asked, "What led you to think of this movement and how did you plan the implementation".
He said, " Well, It was more like a destiny. I never planned anything so big. It just happened. When the aim is good, nothing can hinder. We faced several challenges including death treat that I was under police protection. But people trust our intention.it was my father's wish that the panchayat that we stay also should benefit from our business. Today Kitex is a well run profitable entity. So I took it as an opportunity to help my community. Moreover, when a company grows, its environment and surrounding should also develop. Only then there will be a positive energy for the business which will help further. Have u been to Mumbai airport? Just outside the posh airport you will see slum. So, whenever people from outside come to India, we are giving a bad imagery about India. I don't want that to happen when clients from outside visit Kitex. They should see prosperity. "
Hats Off To the courage and conviction of Mr. Sabu Jacob. I could see a charismatic leadership in him along with the magnanimity of saying, "I am just an instrument.I just initiated, people joined me. ".
I also visited the state of the art garment factory with latest technology which produces tonnes of kids garment as well as other clothing for exports. It was a proud moment to notice that some of the big brands of America are manufactured in a small town in Kerala.
In Kerala, when we object to industrialization, business and enjoy harthal, we should remember that when money comes to a good person, it is spent in the right manner and society benefits. Righteous entrepreneurs can do social transformation in their locality.
No comments:
Post a Comment