In a historic feat, Chakkittapara, situated in Kozhikode, India has achieved the distinction of becoming India’s fully insured Gram Panchayat, marking an exceptional accomplishment in the annals of Indian insurance history. This pioneering endeavor, spearheaded by Christ University Bangalore, two years ago, stands as a testament to the power of strategic collaboration and community engagement.
The core of this trailblazing initiative lay in the hands of Christ University Bangalore, whose visionary approach led them to undertake this significant project. The university’s students emerged as instrumental contributors, embarking on a comprehensive household visitation campaign. During these visits, they meticulously gathered crucial KYC documents and captured photographs of every family member, thus ensuring a robust documentation process.
The triumphant culmination of this concerted effort was a result of the seamless coordination between Christ University’s faculty, the Cooperative Bank, and the Gram Panchayat officials. Their relentless commitment and precision in orchestrating this intricate endeavor manifested in a successful realization of their shared vision. The celebratory event was impeccably hosted at the esteemed District Collector’s office in Kozhikode.
This initiative, however, transcended the boundaries of Chakkittapara. A recent milestone, christened “Suraksha Chakra,” witnessed the emergence of Sirsi, located in North Karnataka, as India’s another fully insured village. Once more, the vibrant participation of Christ University Bangalore students was prominent. Through a series of systematic surveys and empathetic interactions, they engaged with each family, fortified by steadfast local support.
While the students shouldered the commendable responsibility of meticulous documentation, it was the skillful orchestration of liaison work, essential for the initiative’s triumph, that was masterfully executed by Christ University’s faculty. Their collaborative synergy with local officials and banking institutions laid the groundwork for the success story that followed.
At its core, this initiative is a resolute endeavor to ensure that every Indian is endowed with a reasonable insurance cover. The collaborative framework between academic institutions, bolstered by the unwavering support of Gram Panchayats and Cooperative Banks, has set a transformative precedent in this direction.
Dr. Tommy K Kallarakal, Dean of Christ University, expounded on the university’s foray into this initiative and academia’s role in fostering societal transformation through experiential learning for students. Mr. P P Reghunath, President of Chakkittapara Service Co-operative Bank, along with Mr. K Sunil, President of Chakkittapara Gram Panchayath, shared insights into their pivotal contributions.
Director Dr. Biju Toms elucidated the university’s role in nurturing student understanding of ecosystems and their empathetic application in the public domain.
Mr. Ravi Seshadri, Chief Mentor of Christ University’s Insurance Education Wing, who guided the students through every step of this journey. Humble yet proud, the mentor expressed, “Though my role was humble, the privilege of being associated with an initiative of this magnitude, and witnessing its tangible impact on rural India, is beyond measure.”
As the nation propels itself into the future, initiatives of this stature underline the pivotal role academic institutions play in steering positive societal change. The dedication, diligence, and unwavering commitment displayed by students, guided by Mr. Jossy Peter and other faculty, and all stakeholders involved underscore their invaluable contribution, paving a promising path for future transformative initiatives.
