Munish Sood
MANDI: In the face of devastation, humanity often finds its strongest expression. This has been proven yet again in Thunag, a region in Himachal Pradesh’s Seraj constituency of Mandi district recently struck by disaster, where professional communities have come together to support families left homeless.
A relief of Rs 15 lakh has been distributed among 56 affected families, bringing much-needed financial aid and a promise of long-term rebuilding support. The contribution was jointly made by the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), Himachal Pradesh chapter, and the 1981-84 alumni batch of Government Polytechnic College, Sundernagar.
Rs 8.5 lakh from architects, Rs 6.5 lakh from alumni
Of the total relief package, Rs 8.5 lakh was provided by architects from across Himachal Pradesh under the banner of IIA. The remaining Rs 6.5 lakh came from alumni of Government Polytechnic College, Sundernagar, who reunited after decades to lend a helping hand.
This collaboration between two professional communities highlighted how both technical expertise and alumni solidarity can create a strong impact when directed towards social causes.
The IIA Himachal chapter, under the leadership of Nand Lal Chandel, personally visited the Seraj region on two occasions.
The first visit was focused on damage assessment, allowing the architects to understand the magnitude of destruction and the specific needs of families. During the second visit, the team distributed Rs 8.5 lakh in financial assistance among 56 families, providing immediate relief.
But the architects did not stop at financial aid. Recognising that true recovery requires rebuilding, they pledged free architectural designs for safe and durable homes. In addition, they committed to offering planning and design services for community shelters at no cost, ensuring that future rehabilitation would be stronger and more resilient.
Families receive hope along with relief
For the victims, this dual support — financial and technical — proved invaluable. While the funds helped address urgent needs, the promise of professional guidance in constructing disaster-resilient homes offered a sense of long-term security.
“We believe disaster-affected families need not just money, but also technical and professional support to rebuild safe and durable homes. IIA Himachal Chapter will always stand by such humanitarian efforts,” said Nand Lal Chandel, Chairman, IIA Himachal Chapter, during the relief distribution.
Affected families expressed heartfelt gratitude to the architects and the alumni group, acknowledging that such compassionate interventions restore not only houses but also confidence in the future.
Polytechnic alumni revive bonds through service
The contribution from the 1981-84 batch of Government Polytechnic College, Sundernagar, carried a different but equally touching story. Former students, now settled in various parts of the country, came together after four decades to pool funds for a noble cause. Their Rs 6.5 lakh contribution reinforced the spirit of alumni networks extending beyond nostalgia into meaningful community service.
One of the alumni shared that helping disaster-hit families was their way of repaying the society that once nurtured them. This gesture has set an inspiring example for other alumni groups to channel their collective strength towards humanitarian needs.
