One of the most alarming problems of modern life is the ever growing number of mentally challenged people. Physically, mentally, emotionally and financially they become a burden on families. The problem becomes more acute if the family is from the lower income group. The misery is unimaginable if the victim is a woman. It affects the emotional stability of the family. The family just disintegrates.
Moved by the plight of such families, a group of committed individuals founded SUMAN, a rehabilitation centre for mentally challenged women in 1997. It works on a ‘no profit’, ‘no loss’ basis and has been doing yeoman service in this field.
SUMAN is at present a day-care centre. Here the inmates learn self-help skills and acquire training in organic farming, embroidery, pickle making, manufacture of note-books, umbrella making etc. such activities keep them occupied, make them self-reliant and also provide monetary support. The results have been encouraging. The behaviour and attitude of these women have shown dramatic improvement. They comment to the centre independently. The families are relieved, as SUMAN assures them not only security but also any help they need.
A free psychiatric clinic functions at the centre in addition to the free clinics run by a dermatologist and a paediatrician every week.