Kozhikode: Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty has announced a house for Devananda, who won the gold in the 200 metre race with a meet record at the State school athletics meet. She had also secured gold in the 100 metre race the previous day.

"There is immense happiness. I didn't even think my daughter would compete in the sports meet. But she participated and went on to set a record. And after that, the minister also said he would build a house for us," said Devananda V Biju's mother, Vijitha. Her words were filled with relief and joy.

As part of Malayala Manorama's 'Dinner with Winner' program, a dinner reception was arranged for Devananda and her coach M S Ananthu at Minister V Sivankutty's house. That day, coach Ananthu had spoken to the minister about Devananda's illness and the poor condition of her house.

Devananda is the daughter of Kottilottummal Biju, a hair stylist residing in Mammadakkulam on Perambra Meppayur Road, and Vijitha. On the 9th October, Devananda was admitted to the hospital due to abdominal pain, and doctors had advised an emergency appendicitis surgery. However, Devananda postponed the surgery to participate in the athletics meet.

Devananda and her family currently reside in an old, tiled house in Mammadakkulam. This house is on the verge of collapse. It is covered with sheets to prevent leakage. Her mother Vijitha, who is with Devananda in Thiruvananthapuram, said that the minister considered all those circumstances.

The decision to build the house for Devanada was taken after, the minister inquired if they owned land to build a house and was informed that the family owned nine and a half cents of land. Devananda conveyed that they lacked the funds to build a new house. Following this, the minister instructed the Kerala Scout and Guides, an organization under the Department of General Education, to build a house for Devananda.