International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Dec 4th, Manaveeyam Veedhi
This year's programs associated with the Disability Day was organized one day later on Dec 4th. IDPD was observed by organizing an awareness rally and public meeting at Manaveeyam Veedhi. 'My Way, My Life' was the slogan taken up by Sakshama Kerala state chapter for this year. About one hundred people including divyangs, parents and volunteers participated in the rally which started from Kanakakunnu palace and concluded at Manaveeyam. Sakshama district president Dr S R Jayachandran presided over the meeitng that followed. Smt Tifanny Brar, founder of Jyothirgamaya foundation inaugurated the meeting. She pointed out the importance of empowering people with disabilities by facilitating such people to assume important postions in govt and public life. She said, even two decades back, disabled people could become ministers, judges etc in foreign countries. Sri Vinaya Chandran, state committee member of Sakshama delivered the keynote address. Sri Sudhikumar, district joint secretary welcomed the audience. Sri Manoj, the district treasurer expressed vote of thanks. Members of Kalanjali (the music troupe of artists with disabilities under Sakshama) enthralled the audience with their performance.
Thiruvananthapuram District Committee Annual Meeting
17th, November, Idapazhinji Auditorium
The annual meeting of Thiruvananthapuram disctrict committee was conducted on 17th November. The meeting which was presided over by the district vice president Sri B Hareendranath, started by paying homage to late Sri PV Padmanabhan who was a great source of strength. He was the Patron of Sakshama Thiruvananthapuram unit. Sri P Girish (Vibhag Sangachalak of Rashtriya SwayamSevak Sangh, Thiruvananthapuram) inaugurated the meeting. All social service activities are divine work, and the workers of organizations like Sakshama are the ones who directly experience it, he said.
Sri P Subhash (State Organizing Secretary, Sakshama Keralam) delivered the keynote address. Four young talents - Ananya (won the Sarvashreshta Divyangjan national award of the President of India, 2024), Bhavya Sree (won the first prize for light music in the all Kerala special school art festival), Durga Priya (won 'A' grade in dance in the Thiruvananthapuram subdistrict school art festival), and Jahnavi R Santh (won the first prize in the state poetry competetion conducted by Sakshama) were falicitated at the function.
The new district committee comprises Sri CS Mohanan, Dr. Mahesh Sukumaran, Sri B Hareendranath (Patrons), Dr. Jayachandran S R (President), Dr. Kavitha, Smt Mini R, Sri P V Padmakumaran, Sri Krishnakumar R (Vice Presidents), Sri S Ajikumar (Secretary), Sri Sudhikumar P, Sri Ramkumar, Shiji Prasannan (Jt Secretaries), Sri R Vinodkumar (organizing secretary), Sri Manoj JP(treasurer), Nisha Rani SS (Mahila Pramukh), Sri Adarsh (Yuva Pramukh), Dr. Anilkumar, Sri Philip Mathew, Mahalakshmi, Karthikeyan V, Aneesh A, Dr. Amritha Jude, Adv. Abhilash, Sri Mohandas (members)
Inauguration of Nedumangad Taluk Samithi
10th, November, Karakulam
Sakshama's Nedumangad Taluk samithi was formed and announced on Sunday. A simple function was organized at the auditorium of Ayanikkad Devi Temple, Karakulam. The meeting was inaugurated by Sri P Gireesh (Vibhag Sanghachalak, Rashtreeya Swayamsevak Sangh, Thiruvananthapuram). Sri B Radhakrishnan (Sanghachalak, Rashtreeya Swayamsevak Sangh, Nedumangad Jilla) presided over the function. Sri P Subhash (State Organizing Secretary, Sakshama) delivered the keynote address. Few divyangs demonstrated their talents in the event. About 80 divyang families were given grocery kits, sanitary pads, lungies, pampers etc. About 150 people participated in the event. A cheque of Rs 5000 was handed over to the family of Sri Sreekanth of Palode towards his treatment. He is bedridden for the last two years following an accident. An eight member Taluk samithi which includes Dr. R Sunil Kumar (Patron), Adv. Subramanyan Potti (Patron), Sri. Ajayakumar (President), Sri. Anilkumar (Vice President), Sri. Shibu M R (Secretary), Sri. Sureshkumar B (Jt. Secretary), Sri. Ranjith Raj (Treasurer), Smt. Prathibha (Mahila Pramukh) was constituted and announced at the meeting.
Inauguration of Chirayinkeezhu Taluk Samithi
22nd, September, Attingal
As part of expanding to more localities, Sakshama's Taluk samithi of Chirayinkeezhu was formed on Sunday. The function which was conducted at the auditorium of Veerakeralarapuram Sree Krishna Swami temple, was inaugurated by Adv. G Suseelan (Sanghachalak, Rashtreeya Swayamsevak Sangh, Attingal Jilla). Dr C G Unnikrishnan presided over the function. Sri V V Pradeepkumar (Zonal Organizing Secretary, Sakshama) delivered the keynote address. Many divyangs demonstrated their talents in the event. About 100 divyang families were given grocery kits, sanitary pads, lungies, pampers etc. A nine member Taluk samithi which includes Dr. CG Unnikrishnan (Patron), Dr. Amruth Jude (President), Sri Ajithakumaran (Vice President), Sri Tharish TD (Secretary), Sri Aswin (Jt. Secretary), Sri Sasidharan (Treasurer) was constituted and announced at the meeting. About 160 people participated in the event.
Onam Celebrations 2024
1st & 8th September
Sakshama Thiruvananthapuram has been organizing family get-togethers and celebrations during Onam. Though it is a challenge to gather resources, we beleive such occasions help in releiving the stress of Divyang families and hence important. Many disabled kids perform in front of the audience which improve their self confidence and social integration. This year, Neyyattinkara Taluk committee organized the event at Taluk town hall on 1st September. Dr Shankar Mahadevan, Kerala state vice president of Sakshama inaugurated the event. Thiruvananthapuram Taluk committee's event was at Chinmaya Vidyalaya Kunnumpuram. Minister of state for Fisheries and Minority affairs, GoI Sri George Kurian inaugurated the event at Thiruvananthapuram. Sri Sooraj, a young man whose leg was amputated following an accident was given an artificial leg in the event. Together about 1000 people from around 600 families participated. Each family was given an Onam kit and everybody was treated with a sumptuous Onam sadya. Athappookkalam (flower decoration, music, dance and few games were part of the event.
Janmashtami Celebrations
26th, August, MG Road
Sakshama participated in the Janmashtami celebrations organized by Balagokulam. About fifty members of Sakshama including disabled kids and parents joined the procession. Most of the kids were dressed up in attires reminding puranic characters. Such participation by disabled people in community events give them much confidence and enthusiasm. It also invites the attention of the society towards the need to give opportunities to Divyangjans. Sakshama Kalanjali, the music troupe of disabled artists also performed throughout the procession, thus giving them more visibility. They enthralled the spectators by singing melodious devotional songs.
Rakshabandhan Celebration
19th, Aug 2024, Central Railway Station, Trivandrum
Being an organization upholding nationalistic views, Sakshama participates in programs that instills patriotic and nationalistic feelings and promote 'Samadrushti' among our citizens. Rakshabandhan is one such national celebration which promotes brotherhood among Bharatheeyas. Today morning members of Sakshama celebrated Rakshabandhan infront of Trivandrum Central railway station, by tying Rakhi to about 300 people. Sakshama volunteers distributed palmphlets also to promote eye donation.
Seminar on Neuro Diversity
28th, July 2024, Saigram, Thonnakkal
Sakshama conducted an one day workshop on the subject 'Neuro Diversity Learning and Caring' at Saigram, Thonnakkal. Delegates consisting of parents, care takers and volunteers from across the state participated in the event. Sakshama national vice president Smt. Kamakshi Swaminathan inaugurated the event. State Child Rights Commision registrar Smt Mini Bhaskar presided over the function. Smt Dwitheeya P (HOD, Astar ENRICH Child Development Centre) lead the class on "Intellectual Disability - things that are known and need to know". Dr. Uma Haimavathy (Associate Professor & HOD, Santhigiri Medical College) lead the class on the role of Ayurveda on rehabilitation and home therapies. Smt Bindu S Kumar (Special Educator and Vocational Trainer) shared her experiences in the area of care-taking of special kids and their training. These were followed by a question answer session in which experts answered the questions from the participants on various issues related to the care-taking of kids with nuerological challenges. Sri VV Pradeepkumar (South Zone Organizing Secretary, Sakshama) spoke about the activities and future plans of Sakshama
Roof repair for Sivaprasad
July 26th, 2024, Poovathoor
Sivaprasad is a visually challenged (80%) young man who is unemployed. He stays with his mother in a tin sheeted house in Poovathoor village, near Mannanthala in the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram. This monsoon Sakshama got a distress call from him asking for help to repair his house. When we visited him in the month of June, what we saw was a small house with damaged and leaking roof, causing all the rain water to pour in to the kitchen. His old mother cooks in a firewood chula which is difficult during rainy days as the leaking water wets the firewood. More over, they are living under the constant fear of snakes as the house is surrounded by rubber plantations. Seeing the helplessness of the mother and her disabled son, Sakshama decided to request for help to philanthropists for repairing their house. In response to Sakshama's request we got some funds which was just sufficient to replace the old roof with new sheets. By the end of July we could give Sivaprasad a non leaking roof for his house.
Pumpset and taps for Rajendran
July 15th, 2024, Uriyakkode, Vellanad
Atlast Rajendran got pump set and taps for drinking water. Rajendran(41) lives in Uriyakkode panchayath, near Vellanad. He is a disabled person living alone. His parents and the only elder brother are nomore. Rajendran's lower body and left hand were crippled due to polio infection from his childhood. Unable to do any work, he is without any income. The meagre sum of Rs 1600/pm pension from the govt is also pending for the last five months. One of his biggest concern was his inability to fetch water from his well. He was totally dependent on others to get water even for drinking. Stumbled upon his story of struggle which came in social media, Sakshama volunteers visited him twice and offered him small financial support. Apart from this, Sakshama decided to provide a solution to his water problem. On 15th July, a pumpset, water tank and three taps were installed at his house. Now Rajendran is a happier man. Now Sakshama is trying to provide him a means also for generating some income.
Protest Dharna
July 10th, 2024, DDE Office, Thiruvananthapuram
Sakshama district committee organized a sit-in protest infront of the office of the Deputy Director of Education, Thiruvananthapuram on 10th July 2024. An autistic kid studying in the first standard of the Govt. Model HS LPS, Thycaud was forcefully relieved from the school. The kid had showed indiscipline and discomfort while participating in a function organized in the school. But instead of understanding his problem and engage a special educator to deal with it, the headmaster decided to relieve him from the school with immediate effect. This did hurt the parents and caused great trauma to them. Sakshama finds this approach of the school authorities very unprofessional and a gross violation of the RPwD Act 2016. Sakshama demands stern action against those who are responsible. To sensitise the general public and the authorities about the issues faced by the people with disabilities, Sakshama conducted a protest Dharna in front of the DDE office. Sri Raghunathan Nair, Sakshama state committee member, inaugurated the protest. Sri Ajikumar, district secretary welcomed the participants. Smt Shiji, district joint secretary expressed vote of thanks.
PS: Following this protest, Sakshama registered complaints with the state Child Rights Commision and the state Disability Commisioner. As a result, next day the state Human Rights Commision took case against the culprits.
Helen Keller Day, Equipment Distribution, Free Medical Camp
Jun 23rd, 2024, Sree Mookambika Speech & Hearing School, Vazhuthacaud
Helen Keller Day was observed on Sunday along with the distribution of a dozen wheel chairs and orthotic footwear. Sri Raghunathan Nair (State committee member, Sakshama) presided over the function. Dr. Kavitha Jitendranath delivered the keynote address. She highlighted the importance of Heller Keller's life as a source of inspiration to all. The function was inaugurated by Smt. Mini Bhaskar (Registrar, Kerala state child welfare commision). Sri CS Mohanan (Chairman, Seva Sakshi Foundation) distributed the supporting equipments to the beneficiaries. Dr. Mahesh Sukumaran (Dist. President Sakshama) and Sri S Ramakrishnan (Chief Consultant, Dheemahi) were also present at the function. Sri Ajikumar welcomed the audience and Smt Shiji delivered the vote of thanks. The event was followed by a mega free medical camp in which ten departments participated. About 150 patients benefited from this camp.
Sakshama Founding Day
Jun 20th, 2024, Shraddha, SEED, Karunya
On 20th June 2024, Sakshama completed 16 years of it's service among people with disabilities. As done every year, Sakshama Thiruvananthapuram and Neyyatinkara taluk committees organized field visits to mark this day. The volunteers of Thiruvananthapuram taluk visited Shraddha special school at Subhash Nagar. Sri Raghunathan Nair, state committe member spoke about Sakshama's history, vision and programmes. The team visited SEED at Thittamangalam. Smt Shiji, district joint secretary spoke about Sakshama. In Neyyatinkara, the volunteers visited Karunya Special School and few BUDS schools and spent time with the students. Sakshama falicitated the senior staff of all these instituitions, distributed sweets packets to the staff and inmates.
Falicitation function and Education kits distribution
May 25th, 2024, Dheemahi
On behalf of Sakshama Thiruvananthapuram taluk committee, a simple function was organized to falicitate the students beloging to Sakshama family who have passed in 10th and 12th exams. Eight students were given mementoes for their achievements. 31 students were given educational kits consisting of school bag, umbrella, water bottle, tiffin carrier and note books. Smt Anita Nayakam, state joint secretary of Sakshama conducted an awarenss class on the rights and provisions for disabled people under the RPwD Act 2016. Vanchiyoor based NGO, Yogavat Foundation contributed the note books for the kits. Dr Radhakrishnan, Rtd director, CTCRI presided over the function.
Surdas Jayanthi Celebration and Annual planning meeting (yojana baithak)
May 12th, 2024, Samskruti Bhavan
Sakshama's annual planning meeting of Thiruvananthapuram district committee was conducted on May 12th, at Samskruti Bhavan. The program was presided by dist vice president Sri P V Padmakumaran. Sri U Sureshkumar, Sakshama state joint secretary lead the discussions. After the organizational meetings, Sri RS Bijukumar spoke about the relevance and message of Bhakta Surdas jayanthi.
Vishu Celebrations and Kudumba Sangamam (Thiruvananthapuram)
14th April, 2024, Kartika Thirunal Theatre
Thiruvananthapuram Taluk samithi organized the Vishu Sangamam on 14th April 2014 at Karthika Tirunal Theatre, East Fort. The Kudumba Sangamam was inaugurated by Sree Sudarsan, Panth Pracharak of Rashtreeya Swayamsevak Sangh, Dakshina Kerala Pranth. Smt Anita Nayakam, Kerala state joint secretary, Sakshama presided over the function. Sri P Subhash, state joint organizning secretary, Sakshama delivered the keynote address. Sri CS Mohanan, chairman, Seva Shakthi Foundation was felicitated at the function. Sakshama Divyamga Kendram also was inaugurated at the same function. Members of Sakshama Kalanjali presented koraoke music. Every Divyangjan was given Vishukkaineettam and all the participants were provided food.
Vishu Celebrations and Kudumba Sangamam (Neyyattinkara)
7th April, 2024, Swadeshabhimani Town Hall
A Kudumba Sangamam was organized by Sakshama Neyyatinkara Taluk committee at Swadeshabhimani Memorial Hall. The program started at 3:30 pm with the prayer of Kumari Shahana. The Sangamam was inaugurated by Sri Aravindakshan and presided by the famous poet and Sakshama Neyyatinkara taluk president Sri Udayan Kokkode. Sri Udayan enthralled the audience with his poems and delivered Vishu message. Special kids belonging to Sakshama family performed dance and music. Sri Ajikumar, Sakshama Thiruvananthapuram district secretary spoke about the vision, mission and recent activities of Sakshama. We were lucky to receive Sri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the hounourable minister of state for Electronics and IT who paid a visit to the program. Incidentally, Sri Rajeev Chandrasekhar was instrumental in resolving the issue of non availability of Aadhaar to handicapped people whose 10 fingers were not scannable. Catching hold of the opportunity, Sakshama office bearers presented our long pending demand of making Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala into a PwD friendly city. Food packets, tea and snacks were also distributed to all the participants.
World Autism Awareness Day
2nd April, 2024
Sakshama Thiruvananthapuram Taluk unit organized a different program to commemorate the Autism day this year. We have arranged a City tour on the KSRTC double decker bus for the special kids and their parents. Kids and their parents participated in the two hour trip with great joy and enthusiasm. At 5:00 pm, around 50 invited passengers boarded the bus from Gandhi park. The bus went to Kawdiyar junction, via Statue, Palayam, Museum and then went to Pettah, Airport, Shankhumukham, Lulu Mall, took a U turn and came back to East Fort. The passengers were treated with snacks and juices. All enjoyed their trip by singing, dancing and clapping. KSRTC officals said this was the first time they went with such a group and expressed their gratitude for allowing them to serve Sakshama family.
NeoBolt Electric Wheelchairs
31st March, 2024
Two beneficiaries from Thiruvananthapuram received NeoMotion's NeoBolt electric wheel chairs at a function organized at Alappuzha. As part of a state wide CSR project, Sakshama along with our CSR partner UST Global had conducted a state wide survey to find out deserving candidates who could make a difference in their lives if they are provided with electric wheel chair. Ms Asha from Venjaramoodu and Vipin Prasad from Balaramapuram were selected from Thiruvananthapuram district.
Ms Asha makes a living by taking stitching orders. Since she is a person with locomotor disability, she could not go out freely to take orders and deliver the finished clothes to the customers. It was a dream for Asha to own an elelctric wheel chair that can go on village roads. Now that dream became a reality. Mr Vipin Prasad had his both legs amputated after an accident. He sells lottery for a living. Since he had limitations in moving, his earning was low. After receiving the more powerful wheel chair, he is confident of commuting to the nearby junction where he can sell more lotteries. UST's CSR ambassador Sri Prashanth Subrahmanyam distributed the wheel chairs.
Free Mega Medical Camp
3rd, March, 2024, Amaravila Thrukkannapuram Temple
Sakshama Neyyettinkara Taluk Samithi and Thrikkannapuram Temple committee joined hands to organize a mega medical camp on March 3, Sunday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Dr. Mahesh Sukumaran (Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist), Dr. Lavanya L. (Consultant Pediatrician), Dr. Kavitha K. (Consultant ENT Surgeon), Sri. Ramakrishnan S. (Chief Therapist, Dheemahi), Smt. Anjana (Physiotherapist, Dheemahi), Smt Anitha Nayakam (Acupressure Therapist), SREENETHRA Eye Care Hospital and Gayathri Ayurveda Hospital participated in the event. 170 patients attended the camp. Sakshama office bearers visited Mr Praveen, who is bed-ridden due to health issues.
Donated specially made reclining chairs
26, February 2024
Sreekutty (14) is born as her parent’s second child. She is evolved as spastic quadriplegic with history of organ illness and poor lung build-up. She can neither sit on normal chairs nor move on her own. So, most of the time she spends lying on her bed. The therapist who examined her, suggested a special chair, custom made according to her body measurements so that she can be fed making her sit upright, thus avoiding the risk of chocking and lungs infection. Sashama with the help of philanthropist, got this chair made and donated to her family. Being able to see the outside world sitting on her chair, Sreekutty seemed very happy. As of now we are in need of three more such special chairs and one hospital bed to be donated to similar patients.
Sakshama Pension Programme Inauguration
17, February 2024, Samskruti Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram
Sakshama's new scheme to help few families of Divyangs was inaugurated by Dr. Sam John Vargheese (Gynecologist and infertility specialist, Attukal Devi Hospital). As per this scheme 15 Divyang families were selected to be given a pension of Rs 1000/ per month for the next one year. Sri P V Padmakumaran (Dist vice president, Sakshama) presided over the function. Prof M.S Ramesan (Vibhag Samghachalak, Rashtreeya Swayamsevak Sangh) blessed the occasion. Krishnakumar (Dist joint secretary Sakshama welcomed the audience. Pradeepkumar (Taluk secretary, Sakshama) expressed vote of thanks
Free Medical Camp
13, February 2024, CMG HSS, Poojappura
As part of the efforts to extend the services of Dheemahi, Sakshama conducted a free medical camp at CMG HSS, Poojappura. Dheemahi's chief consultant Sri S Ramakrishnan and physiotherapist Smt Anjana examined the patients. Six children suffering from different disabilities were examined and care measurers recommended. Two kids were recommended to go for specially designed reclining chairs. One kid needs a hospital bed with tilt support. Two children need to be given special shoes custom made according to their measurements.
Donated Wheel Chair to ONRA, Thirumala
04, February 2024
Odankuzhy Nagar Residents Association is a body of 300 families which includes many humanitarian activities also in their programs. There are few PwDs residing in their area. So to help these individuals move around, ONRA wanted a wheel chair to be kept at their office. They requested a wheelchair and invited Sakshama volunteers to address ONRA's annual meeting. Sakshama delegates participated in the function, donated a wheelchair and called upon the office bearers to promote the idea of Eye Donation as it helps patients suffering from curable blindness.
Protest Dharna in front of Secretariat
02, February 2024
It is a fact that, the social security pension given to weaker sections of the society is blocked for the last 5 months. Though a special cess is being collected from fuel and liquor sales, the state govt is not dispersing the amount. Kerala is witnessing suicides by divyangs owing to their very bad economic condition. Being disabled, most of the people belonging to this group are unable to generate any income. They are not considered even for the opportunities under the job guarantee schemes. A considerable number of them need continuous medical support, which is unaffordable to them. Many live with their relatives as dependents without any money of their own. This situation affects their self esteem. Sakshama being an organization working for the empowerment and wellbeing of PwDs, can not remain mute spectators. Sakshama organized a protest dharna (sit in protest) in front of the Govt Secretariate of Kerala state on Feb 2nd,from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. During the dharna, the supportive equipments and accessories of PwDs without which they can not survive, were symbolically put for sale. Sri K R Raghunathan Nair, (retd principal of blind school and present project co-ordinator of national association of blind) inaugurated the dharna. He is also the district Rakshadhikari (Patron) and state committee member of Sakshama. In his address, he demanded immediate release of the pension dues of PwDs on priority basis. The present pension amount of Rs 1600/pm is very meagre and the govt must increase the same to atleast Rs 3000/pm - he demanded.
About 150 people consisting of PwDs, their care takers and well wishers participated in the dharna. Krishnakumar R, (dist joint secretary) welcomed the gathering and Smt Shiji Prasannan (dist joint secretary) delivered vote of thanks.
Physiotherapy Camp
26th, January 2024
Dheemhi (the physio therapy center under Sakshama) organized a free physiotherapy medical camp at Vivekanada Vidyamandir, Pachalloor. Twelve patients attended the camp. Dheemahi's consultant Sri S Ramakrishnan (Rtd. Chief Physiotherapist, Medical College) and Smt Anjana attended the patients. Two kids were identified as wanting specially designed chairs for their home care. Sakshama is looking for philanthropists who can sponsor these. One wheel chair was donated for a patient.
Music Concert by Sakshama Kalanjali
22nd, January 2024
Divyang artists of Sakshama Kalanjali has performed at Attukal Devi Temple. Sri Mohandas, Smt. Chandrika, Kumari Shahana, Kumari Aiswarya, Sri Kannan and Sri James were the singers who participated in the one and half hour long music programme. Sri Mathews (Rhythm Board), Sri Sunil Kumar (Tabala) and Sri Kunjan (Key Board) gave them excellent support. At the end of the programme lamps were lighted around the stage and Rama Mangalam was sung which presented a divine atmosphere to the audience.
World Braille Day
4th January, 2024
January 4th is the birthday of world famous French educator and inventor Louis Braille. Every year Sakshama celebrates this day by organizing programs to bring awareness on the importance of education and empowerment of people with disabilities. This year the program was conducted at Press Club Hall, behind Secretariate. Sakshama donated electric wheel chairs to Ms Reshma and Mr Sooraj who are struggling with locomotor disability. Mr Pradeepkumar, another disabled person was gifted with an ordinary wheel chair. This year's distric level Divyanga Mithram campaign was also inaugurated by Dr Bhavana Radhakrishnan, the famous playback singer. About 80 people participated in the function.
