The Irula are one of the most isolated groups in India. An indigenous population who used to have no land rights, no access to mainstream schooling, health centres or other government support. And then the tsunami swept away the few things they possessed.

During a solemn ceremony, the Order of Malta’s international relief corps consigned 97 houses to Irula families. Their new village “Bharathi Nagar”, with the help of Malteser International, will foster their integration into society through better access to education and subsidies.

The government representatives present at the inauguration have promised to issue land rights to Irula families and to provide infrastructure for the new village.