SINGAPORE: Fifty members of Singapore's Raleigh Society were recently in India's Nilgiri Mountains in the state of Tamil Nadu for a good cause.

The volunteers, aged 15 to 38, were part of "Operation Vannakam" - a Tamil salutation or greeting.

While in India, they had opportunities to experience service learning, as well as understand development issues of the rural community.

With the help of skilled masons, they built a 12-room hospital mainly for the poor tribal community in Devala district.

The hospital, to be ready end-July, will benefit some 1,000 families.

The expedition was from May 16 to June 18.

- CNA/yb