Payyannur: ‘Swaha’ in Sanskrit means 'well said' and is often heard during the chanting of mantras during Hindu rituals, but in Kerala the word has a pejorative meaning and connotes 'selfishness'. Interestingly, a schoolgirl by that name has announced, with her father's nod, her decision to selflessly donate a one-acre plot for flood relief efforts in Kerala.
Swaha V S and her sibling Brahma V S jointly conveyed their decision to their school authorities on Monday. They intend to contribute their 'small donation' to the chief minister's Relief Fund.
The siblings belong to Mavicheri and are students of Shenoy Memorial Government Higher Secondary School in Kannur district. They made the announcement amid flood rehabilitation activities at the school. The declaration was greeted with thunderous applause at the school.
In a letter to the school management, the siblings asserted they had secured their father’s nod on the matter. “What are we supposed to do next?” They ask as to how to go about with the intended donation.
The plot at Kallongal village values Rs 50 lakh, according to estimates. It has been willed to the brother-sister duo by their father.
A class-11 student, Swaha is a chess player of repute and has participated successfully in the state and national events. Brahma is in the high school.
