Wayanad: Kalathingal Naufal’s story is one of grief, courage, and hope. On July 30 last year, a massive landslide hit the Wayanad district of Kerala, killing 11 members of Naufal’s family, including his wife and three children.
The accident was life-changing for him. At that time, Naufal was working as a chef in Oman. When he got the news of the tragedy, he immediately returned to India and saw that his house was now just rubble.
Despite suffering such a huge loss, Naufal did not give up. He pulled himself together and decided to rebuild his life. Initially, he was living in a temporary house. He also refused to meet counselors, as he felt that reliving the past every time would only increase his pain. He tried to heal his wounds on his own.
During this difficult time, Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen (KNM), a Muslim socio-religious organization, gave him financial aid of Rs 7 lakh so that he could start some employment.
Naufal started a restaurant and bakery called ‘July 30’ to fulfill the dream of his late wife, Sajna. The restaurant was named in memory of the day that changed his life forever. Some people criticized this name, but Naufal believes that remembering that day will make people humble and closer to God.
In addition, the Oman-based Kerala Muslim Cultural Center (KMCC) bought land for him and built a new house, the keys of which were handed over to him recently. After this, Naufal also married Safna, making a new beginning.
Naufal says that many people came forward to help him, whom he did not even know. He believes that all this is possible only in Kerala, where the sense of humanity and community is so strong. His life is an inspiration for those who lost everything in this tragedy.