Four Flood-Ravaged Families to Get New Homes as Arpan Foundation of Ajmer Rajasthan Leads Permanent Rehabilitation Initiative in Assam : Under CEO Abhay Bhargava’s guidance, foundation moves beyond immediate relief to help flood-affected families rebuild their lives with safe and permanent housing : One house completed, second nearing completion and third under construction : Homes being built with cement blocks and tin roofing using modern construction techniques; each features a 15×23-ft main living area and an 8×8-ft toilet

SIVASAGAR, September 8 : Once floodwaters recede and relief camps gradually close, life may appear to be returning to normal. But for families whose homes and entire households have been swept away or destroyed by a disaster, the most difficult struggle often begins only afterward.

For four such needy families who lost their homes in the devastating floods in Assam, a new foundation of hope is now being laid. Arpan Foundation, Ajmer, Rajasthan, a non-governmental social organisation, has taken up the responsibility of providing them with safe and permanent homes instead of limiting its intervention to immediate relief.

Under the guidance and leadership of CEO Abhay Bhargava, the foundation is constructing four separate houses for four flood-affected families in Assam. The initiative reflects the organisation’s approach that disaster assistance should go beyond the distribution of temporary relief and create lasting support capable of restoring security, dignity and stability to affected families.

A Foundation of Hope Laid on August 27

The permanent rehabilitation project was formally launched on August 27 at Bhadhora Nimaijan in Sivasagar with a traditional Bhoomi and Vastu Pujan. Construction commenced following the religious rituals.

The four beneficiary families had been facing serious housing insecurity after the floods. Recognising their need for permanent shelter, Arpan Foundation decided to construct an individual house for each family so that they would no longer have to depend on temporary arrangements and could begin rebuilding their household lives under a secure roof.

Arpan Team on the Ground for Nearly 10 Days

Rather than restricting its role to financial assistance, Arpan Foundation has also established an on-ground mechanism to supervise the construction.

Project Coordinator Pankaj Pareek and Field Officer Sher Singh Jat have been stationed at the project site for nearly 10 days, continuously monitoring the quality and progress of the work.

Their focus has been on ensuring that construction proceeds systematically, quality standards are maintained and unnecessary delays are avoided. The foundation’s priority is to complete all four houses at the earliest so that the beneficiary families can move into their new homes and begin rebuilding their lives.

One House Completed, Second Nearing Completion

The rehabilitation project has already made significant progress within a relatively short period.

Of the four proposed houses, construction of the first house has been completed. Work on the second house has reached its final stage, with only a few finishing tasks remaining.

Construction of the third house is currently underway, while work on the fourth house is expected to begin shortly. The plan is to complete all four homes in phases and hand them over to the respective beneficiary families.

15×23-ft Living Space with an 8×8-ft Toilet

The houses are not being developed merely as temporary shelters. They are being designed as permanent and practical homes keeping the long-term requirements of the families in mind.

Cement blocks and tin roofing, along with modern construction techniques, are being used in the project. Each house will have a 15×23-ft main residential area, comprising two windows and one door.

To address sanitation and other essential household needs, every house will also include an 8×8-ft toilet.

Through this design, the foundation aims to provide the families with functional and organised living spaces where they can leave behind the trauma of the floods and gradually rebuild their lives in a safer environment.

Marwari Yuva Manch Helps Identify Families Most in Need

The Purvottar Pradeshiya Marwari Yuva Manch has played an important role in ensuring that the rehabilitation initiative reaches families genuinely in need of permanent housing.

Based on ground-level assessment of flood-affected areas, the Manch assisted in identifying four families facing an urgent need for permanent shelter. After information about these families was shared with Arpan Foundation, the organisation took responsibility for constructing their homes.

The project thus brings together local identification of genuine beneficiaries with the resources and social commitment of the foundation, creating a coordinated model of post-disaster rehabilitation.

Arpan Established in 2022 as CSR Arm of I-Field Group

The Assam housing initiative is part of Arpan Foundation’s broader social development vision. Established in 2022 as the CSR arm of I-Field Group, Arpan works towards long-term social transformation through community development, welfare initiatives and the empowerment of disadvantaged sections.

Its working philosophy is based on the belief that lasting social transformation does not happen overnight. Rather, consistent and meaningful interventions can collectively create significant change.

Guided by this approach, the foundation has been working across areas including education, skill development, women’s empowerment, support for persons with disabilities, child protection, rural assistance and disaster relief.

Creating Better Opportunities for Underprivileged Children and Youth

One of the foundation’s key areas of focus is creating better opportunities for children and young people growing up in disadvantaged circumstances.

Arpan believes that children from economically and socially vulnerable families often face challenges and pressures beyond those encountered by their more privileged peers. Providing the right educational resources, guidance and support during the crucial years of childhood and youth can therefore create a stronger foundation for their future.

With this objective, the foundation undertakes various educational and social programmes aimed at supporting children and young people.

Eight Computer Labs Bring Digital Education to 730 Girls

Recognising digital skills as an increasingly important gateway to education and employment, Arpan Foundation has also been working to bring technology-based learning opportunities to girls from underserved communities.

Under this initiative, eight modern computer laboratories, each equipped with 15 computers, have been established. So far, 730 girl students have been associated with these digital education programmes.

Students have received training in fundamental computer skills, including documentation, Excel spreadsheets, use of e-mail and preparation of presentations. For many participants, the programme represented their first structured exposure to digital technology.

The objective is to equip them with practical digital skills that can support their future education and employment prospects. The foundation has also been promoting inclusive digital education in collaboration with local institutions, including initiatives involving centres such as Meenu School of RMKM Ajmer.

Women’s Empowerment Through Skills and Opportunities

Women’s empowerment is another major area of Arpan Foundation’s work. Its programmes seek to help women move beyond everyday constraints, identify new opportunities and acquire skills that can strengthen their independence.

The broader objective is to enable women to contribute not only to the economic and social progress of their own families but also to play a more active role in the development of their communities.

Training and Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities

Arpan Foundation also considers the creation of equal opportunities for persons with disabilities an important part of its social responsibility.

Through vocational training, resources and support, the organisation seeks to help persons with disabilities move towards greater independence and self-reliance.

The emphasis is not simply on providing assistance, but on developing individual capabilities and creating opportunities for meaningful participation in society and the economy.

Supporting Food Security and Education in Rural Communities

In the field of community development, the foundation has also been active in rural areas in and around Ajmer.

Monthly food assistance programmes have been undertaken in rural areas such as Sidiyas and Bhuwal, with the dual objective of supporting food security among needy families and helping children continue their education regularly.

Distribution of clothes, blankets and ration supplies among disadvantaged families has also formed part of the foundation’s social assistance activities.

‘Raise Your Voice’ Initiative Focuses on Child Safety

Child protection is another sensitive area in which Arpan Foundation has undertaken awareness initiatives.

In collaboration with Child Chapter, the foundation is running the ‘Raise Your Voice’ initiative to increase awareness about child sexual abuse.

Interactive sessions are organised in schools where children are given age-appropriate information about safe and unsafe touch. The programme seeks to help children recognise uncomfortable or potentially unsafe situations and encourages them to speak up and seek assistance whenever necessary.

Through the initiative, awareness material and activities have reached more than 30 schools in and around Ajmer. Regular interaction and follow-up are aimed at strengthening awareness among children regarding their personal safety.

From Immediate Relief to Sustainable Rehabilitation

After working in education, digital literacy, women’s empowerment, disability inclusion, child protection, rural support and skill development, the construction of houses for flood-affected families in Assam marks another significant step in Arpan Foundation’s journey—this time towards permanent post-disaster rehabilitation.

Losing a home to a flood is not merely an economic loss. A home is closely linked with a family’s safety, memories, social identity and hopes for the future. Permanent housing after a disaster can therefore become one of the most important foundations for an affected family’s return to normal life.

Not Just Four Houses, but Four New Beginnings

The project, being implemented under the guidance of CEO Abhay Bhargava, with Pankaj Pareek and Sher Singh Jat overseeing work on the ground and the Purvottar Pradeshiya Marwari Yuva Manch providing crucial local support, also demonstrates how coordinated efforts among social organisations can contribute to meaningful rehabilitation.

Once completed, these will not merely be four structures made of cement blocks and tin. For four families who lost the security of their homes to the devastating floods, they will represent four new beginnings—restoring shelter, dignity, confidence and the hope of rebuilding life from the ground up.