Erawadi

On August 6th 2001, 25 mentally ill people were burnt alive in a fire at a home in Erawadi, Tamil Nadu. They could not escape as they were chained to their beds. This tragedy shocked the nation and there was worldwide condemnation on this gross violation of human care.

On August 6th 2010, we commemorate the victims of this tragedy. We keep the memory of their charred bodies alive in the hope that the world remembers that mental illness does not mean degradation, isolation, and death of the human spirit.

They did not die in vain.

Commemorating Erawadi - 9 years on

My India - A.J. AUGUSTINE

India , my birth place

where every religion and every race

has the freedom and the space

to enjoy their life at their pace.

Abdul Kalam made a guess

by 2020 India will be a story of success

the world is taking notice of us

in every field - the answer is Yes

The youth of our country are asking why

India can't raise the bar even high

standing united after every failed try

we will race ahead and win the tie.

When peace is at a premium today

and the world in total disarray

our country has shown that the Gandhian way

is the key for all we pray.

Let us unite, not as a nation

but as good human beings on every occasion. 

Aasha Wins At Kreeda 2010

Congratulations to The Banyan on organising a successful 'Kreeda 2010' at Loyola college on 26th and 27th March. Kreeda ’10, which means ‘Play’ in Sanskrit, is an initiative of The Banyan to establish bonds between mental health organisations and bring about interaction among persons with mental health issues.

At Kreeda’10 there were group activities and individual performances—talent shows (painting, music, story telling, poetry recital, dance etc) and fashion show among events that were held.

And the winners from Aasha winners were:

1. P. Sundarraman 1st prize in Speech
2. Rajesh* 2nd prize in Speech
3. Rajesh* 1st prize in Story Writing
4. A.J. Augustine 1st prize in Poetry

Unnal Mudiyum - An Aasha Employment Project Initiative

The new Aasha shop - Unnal Mudiyum

At Aasha Paper Cup production unit

Aasha paper cups

Inaugration by PMJF Lion J. S. Vijayakumar of Unnal Mudiyum Aasha Shop

Interacting with Aasha members at Aasha shop

Dr. Anandan(visiting Psychiatrist at Aasha) speaking about mental illness

World Disability Day

Today December 3rd is World Disability Day. A time for those struck by a disability so challenging to remind the world that we exist. A time for our resilience to bring forth awe in those around us. Because we are resilient. We live in a world of unspeakable difficulties, a world where perfection is given the highest regard and yet we live, to make the most of everyday.

The Government of India did not recognize Mental Illness as a disability till last year. Is it because it is less obvious (visible) than other disabilities? But really how can we define what is truly disabling?

“The official definition of persons of disability includes a person suffering from not less than forty per cent of any disability as certified by a medical authority.” “Deciding the quantum of disability as forty per cent is not practically possible in case of Mental Illness. Patients suffering from mental illness will be unable to obtain a certificate from a qualified medical practitioner stating that they suffer from forty per cent mental illness. This brings about discrimination amongst disabled persons prejudicing the interests of mentally ill persons.”

According to Ratna Chibber, President Aasha, “A person with MI does not probably have any visible disability and hence faces discrimination from the law makers, government bodies, prospective employers while also grappling with stigma and discrimination of every day existence. There needs to more awareness about mental illness and its effects on the body and mind. There have been instances when people viewed a mentally ill person who is not performing at work or study as a “lazy person”, just giving excuses”, without realizing that the individual is unable to perform and his condition is as disabling as any other physical disability.”

We have to lobby harder for the rights of individuals with mental illness to give them a better quality of life and provide them with access to all legal and social regulations that are awarded to other disabilities.

I would like to add that only last year (2007) India ratified its position on including mental illness as a disability and if was not for the few individuals and organizations whose voices echoed the hallowed hallways of policy makers repeatedly this would not have been possible.

Honour Roll

Kromatiks & Insulants Pvt. Ltd
Devi Polymers
Merind Engineering
Kappa Electricals
Arul Engineering
Essen International
Jaya & K. Narasimhan
Chitra Ramani
All other individuals, care-givers, members and most importantly the staff for providing invaluable service to Aasha.