 |
| C.Soman, Kizhakkekonam House, Vattappara, Thiruvananthapuram |
|
Download Database of featured talents. (Excel file) |
If some of the mentally abnormal vagabonds seen earlier in the streets of Thiruvananthapuram have suddenly disappeared, it isn’t that they have left the city. In fact some of them are under the care of ‘Santhitheeram’, a rehabilitation centre for the hapless vagrants situated at Koppam, Nedumangad.
‘Santhitheeram’ is the brainchild of C.Soman, Kizhakkekonam House, Vattappara, Thiruvananthapuram, an employee at the Police Headquarters. He drew inspiration for this venture from some of his own experiences and the sight of a mental patient, knocked down by a vehicle and lying in a pool of blood.
The centre, inaugurated on January 15 by K.Thankappan, Judge of High Court, started with an initial intake of 7 persons. Its inmates now number 37.
The loading workers of Nedumangad are in the forefront to help the centre. Other organizations and local people help in meeting the requirement of 20 kg rice and other items daily. Amidst the uncertain resource availability also, the centre has been able to provide food for the inmates without fail till date. 4 young men, Prakash, Pradeep, Babukkuttan and Santhosh are with the centre on full-time basis.
With the loving care, food and medicine, 8 inmates were cured of their disease and taken back to their homes by their relatives. The centre’s autorickshaw, with the name ‘Santhitheeram’ emblazoned on it, will go wherever needed to pick up the vagrants. At the moment they do not admit women, as the centre does not have facilities for their care.
Inmates at the Santhitheeram
Courtesy: Mathrubhumi, September 5, 2003
Contributed by: Administrator
