At Movate, social responsibilities go beyond promises to a driving impact on the ground to empower communities and transform lives. In partnership with Aid India, Movate recently supported a tribal resettlement initiative in Eureka Gurupuram Village, Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, India on 29th March 2025. Movate community support initiative centered around enhancing basic infrastructure. The project improved basic living conditions for tribal Irular families and reaffirmed Movate’s dedication to sustainable community development.
New beginnings for the Irular families
Gurupuram village became home to 47 Irular families who resettled from Vembedu Naiyakan Kulam in August 2024. Having lived in Vembedu for over three decades, these families primarily relied on MGNREGA work and woodcutting for their livelihood. The relocation, facilitated by Aid India, granted 30 families ownership of land pattas, offering them security and a fresh start.
However, challenges remained. Located 10 kilometers from the nearest town and with limited bus connectivity, Gurupuram’s residents struggled with basic amenities, relying heavily on daily wage labor. Recognizing the urgent need for essential infrastructure, Movate stepped forward to extend support through multiple impactful initiatives.
Water shortages: Installation of tanks
A consistent water supply is fundamental to community well-being. To tackle the irregularities in borewell water availability, Movate sponsored the installation of four 1,000-litre water storage tanks.
These tanks ensure a stable water reserve during periods when borewell operations falter due to mechanical issues or power outages. Equipped with user-friendly taps, the tanks have greatly enhanced access to clean water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation, reducing daily hardships and improving overall hygiene standards.
Enhancing hygiene: Construction of bathrooms
One of the pressing concerns for the Gurupuram community, especially women, was the lack of proper sanitation facilities. Movate’s initiative to construct bathrooms and toilets for eight families directly addressed this gap.
This project significantly boosted hygiene practices and menstrual health management, ensuring safer, more private facilities for women and girls. It has equipped them with greater mobility, dignity, and safety, catalyzing a positive transformation in their daily lives. Encouraged by the community’s response, Aid India plans to further expand these efforts by building proper homes in the future.
Flood management: Building drainage canals
Seasonal rains had posed a serious challenge to Gurupuram, leading to frequent flooding that disrupted everyday life. To mitigate this, Movate supported the construction of drainage canals along three critical streets.
Each canal spans approximately 200 feet in length and 3 feet in depth, channeling rainwater effectively and preventing waterlogging. These new drains connect seamlessly to a larger 100-foot cement pipe canal, ensuring efficient water flow and significantly reducing flood-related issues. Today, the residents experience enhanced safety and improved quality of life during the rainy seasons.
Lighting the way: Solar lamps
Safety and mobility during nighttime were major concerns for Gurupuram’s residents, particularly children and the elderly. To address this, Movate, through Aid India, funded the installation of ten solar-powered streetlights across the village.
These eco-friendly lights have not only enhanced night-time visibility and security but also supported evening community activities, fostering a sense of safety and togetherness among residents.
Gurupuram: A brighter future ahead
Movate’s engagement in Eureka Gurupuram stands as a shining example of how targeted, thoughtful interventions can drive sustainable change in vulnerable communities. Each initiative right from ensuring access to water and sanitation to enhancing safety and resilience against floods reflects the desire and drive for lasting social impact.
By supporting fundamental infrastructure in Gurupuram, Movate has empowered the Irular families to live with greater dignity, security, and hope for a better tomorrow. As the journey continues, the team remains steadfast in its belief that social responsibility is not just about giving back but it is about moving forward, together.
