Manasa to the rescue of mentally challenged women

MYSORE: Nisha (name changed), a rape victim found at Mysore railway station, was rescued by 'Manasa' years ago. After a year of nurturing and rehabilitation, she identified herself as a native of Jharkhand. She is now leading a happy married life in Jharkhand.

There are many other success stories like Nisha's. Manasa, a wing of Karuna Trust, not only aims at giving hope for the homeless, but also supports mentally challenged women who are neglected by the members of their family. This organization rescues and empowers them before making them self-reliant.

Manasa, started in 2006 off Lalithadripura Road, is the brainchild of Dr H Sudarshan. Till date, 245 homeless people from Mysore city and nearby places have been treated at Manasa. Mentally challenged women are first brought to Nirashrithara Parihara Kendra, where they are medically examined and are provided with medicines, therapy and psychiatric counseling.

 Project manager Dr C K Kantharaju said psychiatrists visit Manasa thrice a week. A resident psychiatrist and social worker will also be present there.

Women are given vocational training in craft-making, candle-making, greeting card-making, knitting, and making flower vase, hangers, broomsticks, embroidery and paper bags. The inmates are allowed to maintain kitchen garden inside the premises. Four social workers and three healthcare workers take care of 58 inmates. They involve them in group activities like discussion, prayers, cleaning and other activities.

The organization has helped 187 women reunite with their families spread across the country, and it continues to supply medicines to them. "At present, there are 58 women in Manasa," Kantharaju added.