Minister V Sivankutty Promises Home for Record-Breaker Devananda

Thiruvananthapuram: Education Minister V Sivankutty congratulated track sensation Devananda V Biju, who achieved a record-breaking feat at the State School Olympics. The minister announced that the General Education Department will provide a house for the young athlete while personally meeting and felicitating her.

Devananda, a star athlete from St. Joseph HSS, Pullurampara in Kozhikode, set a new meet record in the junior girls’ 200- metre race, finishing in 24.96 seconds and surpassing the previous record of 25.13 seconds set by Ancy Sojan in 2017. She had also won a gold medal in the 100- metre race.

“There is immense happiness. I never imagined my daughter would compete in the sports meet. But she not only participated, she set a record. And then the minister said he would build a house for us,” said Devananda’s mother, Vijitha, her voice filled with relief and joy.

The family currently lives in an old tiled house in Mammadakkulam, which is on the verge of collapse, with sheets covering the roof to prevent leakage. Vijitha, who accompanied her daughter to Thiruvananthapuram, said the minister had taken their difficult living conditions into account.

The decision to construct a house for Devananda came after the minister inquired if the family owned land. They have nine and a half cents but lacked the funds to build a home. Following this, the minister instructed the Kerala Scouts and Guides, under the Department of General Education, to undertake the construction.

Minister Sivankutty also highlighted Devananda’s determination, noting that she had postponed surgery for appendicitis, diagnosed a month ago, to compete despite severe pain. Understanding the family’s circumstances, living with her father Biju, a barber, and mother Vijitha, a labourer, the minister assured full support for the young athlete and ensured the construction of her new home.