Thiruvananthapuram: Thousands of fishermen from the Kerala coast had come to the rescue of many who were marooned in the August deluge. They arrived in boats to launch rescue activities on flooded roads and lanes in several parts of Kerala. Though familiar to the vast expanse of the sea, many boatmen found it challenging to take their boats through marooned inland zones, even finding their vessels damaged in the process.
Shaiju, a fisherman from Thiruvananthapuram's Pozhiyoor coast, had lost his brand-new fibre boat as he took the plunge to rescue people stranded in the flood in Chengannur. Yet, he was reluctant to accept a new boat that expatriates in Abu Dhabi offered him. However, he finally gave in before their magnanimity after much persuasion.
“Our lives are like balloons sir - a needle touch can burst it,” Shaiju told the expats who arrived with documents of the new boat. “We live in a single room, and in hunger. But the thought that this was the time to help those in distress prompted me to rush. I didn't expect anything in return. I'm glad I could rescue so many people. It doesn't matter if my boat was wrecked. If you are keen, you can get me an old boat, not a new one.”
Shaiju's strong hands that saved so many lives trembled as he received the documents, and he hugged the representatives of the overseas Indians, overwhelmed by emotion.
A video uploaded by Shaiju's friend on Facebook had prompted the expats to initiate the help and gift him with a boat worth Rs 2 lakh. N Rajesh from Thiruvananthapuram, K V Joseph of Thiruvalla, Reni Jacob, Afsal, Vipin and a film producer had organised the fund-raising.
Shaiju had purchased his boat after taking a bank loan, and had used it just for two weeks before rushing with it to Chengannur, more than 100 km north. He ignored warning that rescue bids in flooded areas would risk his new boat. It got almost completely wrecked within two-and-a half days, and he lost his means for livelihood. He feared missing his monthly loan due, but help came in the form of a few expats who had taken note of his volunteering bid.
