Livelihood support and House visits
December 3rd, 2023
December 3rd is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This year Sakshama observed this day by providing a livelihood support to the family of Ms Sunitha (36) who is a disabled person residing at Kalady, Thiruvananthapuram. Sunitha's lower body is disabled by birth and she has other health issues too. Sakshama provided her a fruit cart which the family can utilize to generate income. This fruit cart is installed at Kalady junction. With gratitude Sakshama acknowledges the contributions of philanthropists and wellwishers for enabling us to takeup such social welfare activities.
Sakshama's 25 children participated in the Arts and Sports competition organized by the Social Justice department and Jilla Panchayath on 3rd Dec 2023. 19 of them won prizes. Sakshama team organized house visits of Divyangs. In four days we visited 103 houses belonging to PWDs in our contact. We covered areas like Poonthura, Pongumoodu, Poovar, Edavakkode, Karakulam, Kalliyur, Vellayani, Peroorkada etc. We learnt the different kinds of difficulties faced by the families. Some of them are totally bed ridden and need support in the form of home visits by mobile therapy unit. We have identified couple of PWDs who desperately need electric wheel chairs without which they are totally confined to their homes. Sakshama team presented sweets boxes to all the families we visited.
Sakshama Kerala's 15th Annual State Meeting
November 18 & 19, 2023
The two day event was marked by a grand procession, a public meeting, a music concert and the delegates meeting at Thiruvananthapuram. In association with the event, on 18th Nov, Sakshama organized Samadrushti Swabhimana Sandesha Yatra which roughly translates into 'A rally which proclaims equality and self-respect of Divyangjans'. About two thousand people comprising of Divyangjans and their guardians from different parts of Thiruvananthapuram district assembled infront of the Press Club and conducted a procession upto Putharikkandam ground. It was the first one of this kind where differently abled people from multiple categories of disabilities assembled, not to fight against anybody but to show their solidarity with the nation. Sri Vishnu Perayam, ex captian of Kerala State Blind Cricket Team, flagged off the rally. On the way, the participants were provided with biscuits and juices and on reaching the ground they were given fruits and water for refreshment
The first program at the Putharikkandam ground was the launching of Sakshama Kalanjali. It is a platform newly formed by Sakshama Kerala which consists of differently abled artists. It's music troupe is now ready to perform anywhere in Kerala. A beautiful inaugural music concert followed. Next was Bhinna Sheshi Janajaagrathaa Sammelanam, which means 'A meeting to sensitize the public about disabilities'. The meeting was inaugurated by Sri V. Muralidharan, the honorable Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs. The meeting was presided by Dr. Sabine Sivadasan, MD of Sabine Hospitals, Moovattupuzha. Dr. Govindaraj, the national president of Sakshama delivered the keynote address. Sri S.H. Panchapakesan, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, delivered a speech educating the audience about the various legal rights of Divyangs. Following this, four persons and an Organization were falicitated for their outstanding services to the community of Divyangs. Dr. Lazer (trainer, social worker, public speaker) Smt Ashla Rani (Social Worker), Sri Udayan Kokkode (Poet), Smt Chandrika (Special Educator) and Palium India (Paliative Care) were those who received Sakshama's honour. All the participants of the rally and the public meeting were given food packets for dinner.
On the next day, the 19th Nov, State Delegates Meeting took place at Jilla Panchayat Hall, Pattom. About 200 delegates from different parts of Kerala participated in the meeting. Sri Moideen Kutty, MD, Kerala State handicapped Persons Welfare Corporation Ltd. inaugurated the delegates meeting. Annual Report of 2022-23 was presented by General Secretary. The new state committee of Sakshama was elected. Dr. N.R. Menon (President), Sri TM Krishna Kumar (General Secretary), Sri Pradeepkumar (Organizing Secretary), EN Sooraj (Treasurer) and a 31 member team took charge of the activities for the next year. A special class on 'Fund Utilization of NGOs' was conducted by the renowned Finance Expert and CA Sri Ranjith Kartkeyan for the benefit of Sakshama workers. Sri Aneesh, Saha Prant Pracharak of Rashtreeya Swayamsevak Sangh delivered the concludng remarks.
Museum & Zoo Visit
October 14th, 2023
A substantial number of people with disabilities are confined to their homes most of the times. Opportunities for physical and mental relaxation are important for their well being. Keeping this in mind Sakshama arranges programs for ther well being. This time it was a half day outing for the divyangjans and their guardians to the Zoo and Museum. Many of them were seeing such things for the first time. Famous cine artist Sri Gibin Gopinath flagged off the event. Kids and their guardians had a good time watching the birds, animals and reptiles. Those who were unable to walk were taken around in electric vehicles and wheel chairs. Food and drinks were also provided. On coming out, packets of diapers and sanitary pads were presented to those who were in need of them.
Swachatha Hi Seva
October 2nd, 2023
This year Govt of India had urged the people to participate in the cleaning of public places and observe Gandhi Jayanthi as Swachatha Hi Seva day. Embrace that spirit, Sakshama family members observed Octbober 1st as Swachatha Hi Seva day by cleaning the surroundings of their houses and posted photos in social media. This helped to instill the idea of cleanliness and hygiene in the minds of kids.
Eye Donation Campaign
August 25th to September 8th, 2023
Every year from August 25th to September 8th, many NGOs along with Govt of India observe Eye Donation Awarenss Fortnight. Sakshama always joins in this campaign to spread the awareness on Eye Donation as blindness being one of the major disabilities affecting the human life. This year Sakshama Keralam went one more step and produced a short film 'Maayattha Maarivillu' based on this theme. Special screenings of this film were arranged in public places, schools and mini theatres in Thiruvananthapuram city, pamphlets and eye donation pledge forms were distributed. A float depicting this message was presented in the Sreekrishna Jayanthi procession on September 6th which was widely covered in visual media.
Onam Celebrations
August 27, 2023, Sumangali Kalyana Mandapam, Fort
Every year Sakshama family organizes Onam Celebrations and Family get together. This year too, we celebrated Onam with Attha Pookkalam (Flower Decorations), Music and Dance performances by the members and a sumptuous Onam Sadya. About 500 people participated in the event. All the participant families were given Onam kits. Sri CS Mohanan Pillai, chairman of Sevashakthi Foundation inaugurated the get-together. Sri U Suresh Kumar welcomed the guests. Sri Santhosh Kumar delivered the vote of thanks.
Vision 2025
August 19 & 20, 2023, Hotel The Ruby Arena and Bharatheeya Vichara Kendram
With an aim to strengthen the organization and give it focus, Saksham state committe organized a brain storming session. The two day program was divided in to multiple sessions. The event was attended by 30 respresentatives. G. Vijaya Raghavan (Founder CEO of Technopark), Sri R J Dhanesh Kumar (Consultant Rehabilitation Specialist), Sri S.H. Panchapakesan (State Commissioner For Persons With Disabilities), Smt. Tiffany Brar (Founder of the Jyothirgamaya Foundation) and Sri M.R. Ranjit Karthikeyan (Chartered Accountant) led the sessions. Second day was marked with the meeting of State Committee members. In the afternoon, a 51 member reception committee for the State Conference was formed.
Naipunyam Study Camp
Jul 23rd, 2023, Bharatheeya Vichara Kendram
To make the volunteers and care takers of Divyangjans aware of the challenges they face, Sakshama organized a study camp under the title Naipunyam 2023. It was conducted at Bharatheeya Vichara Kendram hall from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Dr Soumya Sundaram, additional professor, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology inaugurated the camp and took the first session on the 'Role of Parents in the growth of Autistic Kids'. A class on the topic 'RPWD Act 2016 an overview' was conducted by Sakshama youth wing mentor and a practicing advocate of High Cour of Kerala, Adv Prenjith. Smt Anjana, Physiotherapist explained the therapies available at Dheemahi Therapy Centre.
An introduction to all the 21 type disabilities defined by the RPWD Act 2016 was given by Smt Anitha Nayakam, Sakshama state joint secretary. A short introduction to sign language was given by sign language expert and Sakshama state committee member Sri Vinayan. Sri M Jayakumar, delivered the concluding message of the camp.
Helen Keller Day
June 25th 2023, Dheemahi Therapy Centre
Helen Keller being one of the most famous persons among the PWD lived in the modern times, Sakshama considers her as an icon and source of inspiration. Every year, Sakshama celebrates her birthday and shed light on her life and messages for the benefit of Divyangjan.
Sri G V Girish Kumar delivered Helen Keller memorial speech. Sri B S Vinayan translated it into sign language for the benefit of deaf persons present in the audience. Sri Raghunathan Nair presided over the function. Singers Smt Aishwarya and Sri Shiju performed at the function.
Founding Day
June 20th, 2023
In connection with the Foundation day of Sakshama, our team visited Shalom, a special school at Vattappara and Buds school at Chankal, Neyyattinkara and expressed our solidarity with all such instituitions. The office bearers explained the activities being carried out by Sakshama in Thiruvananthapuram and distributed sweets to the teachers and kids.
Surdas Jayanthi & Launch of Saksham Voice music troupe
April 27th, 2023, Gandhi Park
Devotional poet and singer Bhaktha Surdas who lived in the 16th century is the icon of Sakshama. Every year Sakshama remembers him on his birthday and organizes programs. Inspite of being blind by birth and abandoned by his parents in his childhood, he fought all odds to become one of the most famous devotional poets of mideaval India. This year's public program was at Gandhi Park, East Fort. Sakshama state joint ogranizing secretary Sri Subhash delivered Surdas Memorial Lecture. Saksham Voice, Sakshama's troupe of artists with disabilities was launched at the function. Following the public meeting, the first public performance of the troupe took place. Blind singers of the troupe Chandrika, Dolly, Aiswarya, Shiju Krishnan, Mohandas and Prashanth performed at the Sangeetha Sandhya. The event can be viewed here. For performing devotional songs, Sakshama has formed Bhaktha Surdas Bhajana Mandali also under it's umbrella. Dr. Anil Kumar presided over the function. Sri Sarin Sivan introduced the singers and other artists to the audience.
Dheemahi Centre for Neuro Developmental Disorders
February 6th, 2023, Manava Nagar South, Eenchakkal
Dheemahi is a comprehensive physical therapy & health education center launched on 6th February, 2023 at Manava Nagar South, Eenchakkal. It offeres different therapies at a nominal rate to all patients who are in need of them. Sri S Ramakrishnan (Retd Chief Physiotherapist, Medical College) is our chief consultant. There is a panel of doctors including those from Ayush stream associated with Dheemahi, who will participate in frequently conducted medical camps and examine patients. Dheemahi also conducts awareness camps to reduce the lifestyle diseases. This centre is willing to serve children with developmental disabilities like cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism pervasive developmental disorders, Learning disorders, Attention deficit & Hyper activity disorders. The above mentioned groups can receive evaluation, medical guidance, therapy, Nutrition guidance, remedial education, special tailor made seating devices, splints & mobility aids. All these services are offered on Not for profit basis.
Autism Day
April 1st, 2023, Bharatheeya Vichara Kendram
Sakshama observed Autism day by organizing a meeting to bulid awareness on the various challenges faced by the patients and their families. Sakshama state joint secretary and speech therapist Smt Anitha Nayakam delivered the autism day message. Various performances of autistic patients also took place. An awareness class on 'Healthy Life and Prevension of Lifestyle Diseases' was conducted by Sri S Ramakrishnan (retired chief physiotherapist).
Medical Camps
Different Venues
Sakshama along with REC (a public sector undertaking of Govt of India) conducted a medical camp on Jul 21st, 2023 at Attukal Devi Hospital. 95 patients participated in the camp in which doctors from Ayush department were also present. It was part of the Azadi Ka Amruth Mahotsav program of REC. Dr Kavitha (ENT), Dr. Lavanya (Pediatrics), Dr Sajikumar, Dr Amritha (Ayurveda), Dr Amrith Jude (Siddha), Dr Raghu (Homeo), Dr Ganesh (Ortho), Dr Anilkumar (General Medicine), Sri Ramakrishnan, Smt Anjana (Physiotherapy). Four patients were given hearing aids. Two sisters who could not attend the camp due to Muscular dystrophy were visited at their home and given consultation.
Sakshama Neyyattinkara Taluk Committee and Thirupuram Panchayat committee in association with NIMS Medicity conducted a mega medical camp at Thirupuram Shobha auditorium on Jun 18th 2023. The camp was inaugurated by Sri Babu, sub inspector, Poovar. Sri N P Hari delivered the keynote address. Sri Ramakrishnan, Smt Anjana (Physiotherapy), Dr Saju Kurian (Genral Medicine), Smt Anitha Nayakam (Speech & Acupressure therapy) lead the medical camp. About 100 patients attended the camp.
Sakshama along with Sreenetra Eye Hospital conducted medical camp at Dheemahi Therapy Centre on May 28th, 2023. About 100 patients did make use of this opportunity. Dr. Lavanya (Pediatrics), Dr Kavitha (ENT), Smt Anitha Nayakam (Speech & Acupressure therapy), Sri Ramakrishnan, Smt Anjana (Physiotherapy) and doctors from Sreenetra participated in the camp and consulted the patients. Two patients were given hearing aids and Smt Shimi Thomas was given a wheel chair.
Louis Braille Day
January 4th, 2023, Subrahmanya Temple Hall, Panathura
Thiruvananthapuram Taluk Committee observed Louis Braille day at Panathura Subrahmanya Swami Temple hall. Sakshama state committee member Sri Raghunathan Nair delivered the keynote address. Satheesh Panathura presided over the function. Sri Kuttappan, a native of Nedumam was presented with a wheel chair. Singers Smt Aiswarya and Shiju Vazhamuttam performed at the function.
Support Activities
August 25th, 2023
Sakshama team visited home of Aswathy and Arathy, two Sarcoglyconopathy patients along with Dr. Anilkumar, CMO (Casualty) of Attukal Devi Hospital. Dr. Anilkumar examined them, prescribed medicines and gave advices. Sakshama team handed over the much needed hospital beds with tilting mechanism worth Rs 50,000 to the sisters. Also we have installed an oxygen concentrator at their house. Without the tilted bed, they were at a high risk of choking while sleeping and could cause serious consequences.
Sakshama team visited the house of Sri Kannan (Kaithamukku) an Autorikshaw driver who met with a severe accident and got bed ridden. His wife is blind and survives with the meagre income she earns by selling lottery tickets. Sakshama provided cretches to him as per his request and donated money towards his treatment. Unfortunately the patient passed away after few weeks.
Sri Hari is the father of a special child. Few months back he fell in the well of his house while cleaning, broke him toes and got severe injuries to his vertebral column. Sakshama team visited his house multiple times, offered financial assistance and a wheel chair to use till he recovers.