A Whisper, A Hill, A Home: My Journey with Care Home

Er. Musthafa K. P

1984 – A Whisper from the Road

I still remember that day in 1984 — I was on my way to REC Calicut, filled with excitement and nerves for my BTech admission.

As I passed Calicut Medical College, something else caught my eye. On the roadside, patients and their bystanders were scattered under trees, on pavements, and near tea shops — tired, unwell, exposed to the elements. I was just 17. But my heart whispered:

“Something needs to be done for them.”

That whisper stayed.

Through the Years

Over the years, I passed the same scene — on my way to class, then back home, again while doing my MTech in Structural Engineering at REC Calicut. The setting remained unchanged. History was repeating itself daily in front of my eyes. I never forgot it — but I didn’t yet know how to help.

2014 – A Door Opens

Then one day in 2014, a call came from Mr. Sudheer Ahamed, an active member of a charitable group called Helping Hands.

He spoke about an idea — a shelter home for patients battling cancer, kidney disease, and chronic illness. A place where they could stay nearby the hospital during treatment, rather than sleeping on the ground outside.

Suddenly, the whisper from 1984 came rushing back.

I realized — Allah was opening a door I had always wished for.

From Slope to Structure

Soon after, we had our first design discussion with M/s Nazer Associates, Architects in Calicut, along with a passionate young team from Helping Hands.

The chosen land was steep — a hilly terrain with a daunting slope. But vision met engineering. We designed a seven-floor structure, with four floors above ground and three basement levels.

We aimed to balance economy with strength, ensuring the structure would serve its purpose with safety, dignity, and simplicity.

While excavating for the foundation, we stumbled upon a natural water source at the bottom-most level. We decided to preserve it.

By Allah’s grace, that spring provided water for the entire construction — and we believe it continues to serve the daily needs of the building.

The Dream Takes Shape

Now, years later, when I visit Care Home, I see a dream made real.

A space that once existed only in our hopes — is now filled with people.

Safe. Clean. Dignified.

Whenever I meet the glittering jewels behind Helping Hands, I’m filled with admiration. They work tirelessly — not for fame or position, but for service. Every time we meet, they speak about what’s next — new ideas, expansion, better care.

Their passion makes me believe:

This is just the beginning.