Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Nov 13: In this modern, fast-paced world where everything is 'instant', people get busy in their hectic schedules. The concept of 'I, me, myself' has ensured that one's life has become more valuable to oneself than anything else. But somewhere, if we really look hard, we can see beautiful things happening, and that's what Brahmavar Rotary Club has been doing with its noble work of providing free mental health awareness and treatment for the poor.
The health camp is conducted every first Wednesday of every month, at the community health center, Brahmavar.
The campaign began with the vision of 'Seeing no mentally ill destitute on the streets', inspired by the ideals of Rotary.
The Rotary Centennial Permanent Community project, envisaged by Rotary centennial year president Rotarian Walter Cyril Pinto, and wholeheartedly supported by the members, was launched under the leadership of 'Lend a Hand' president Rotarian Jaikishan, on July 19, 2003, during the joint installation of the office bearers of the 11 Interact Clubs, sponsored by RC Brahmavar.
The current president of RC Brahmavar Alwyn Andrade says, "The number of mental disorder cases is increasing and this shows seriousness of the issue. Thus, Rotary is providing free service to the poor, for the past 13-and-a-half years. With awareness increasing each day, patients are coming forward to take professional help and regular treatment, and that in itself a great achievement of this noble project."
The first consultation and medicine distribution camp was held on August 4, 2003, a Wednesday, with a meager 42 beneficiaries. Every month nearly 300 patients are benefitting from the camp with the inclusion of 10-13 freshers. The RC is spending Rs 60,000-70,000 every month and funds are collected through donors for providing the required medicines, Andrade said.
Dr P V Bhandary, well-known psychiatrist of Udupi district, the backbone of this project, is providing free consultation, arranging free samples and drugs at rebate/reasonable rates, from suppliers and manufacturers, and providing necessary support from his team of psychiatric social workers and medical fraternity, from Dr A V Baliga Memorial Hospital, Dr Vasudev, medical officer, Government district hospital, Udupi and Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Manipal.
The team comprises Rtn PP PHF T Bhaskar Rai, who has dedicated 34 years in Rotary service, and Rtn Walter Cyril Pinto, with Rtn Jaikishan and Rtn A Balakrishna Shetty as coordinators and other Rotary volunteers. The project is ably supported by the medical officers and health workers of the community health centre, Brahmavar and the peripheral health centers.
The department of health of Udupi district has also extended its support by channelising the drugs available on government supply.
The project is supported by the Rotarians and Social Welfare Trust of RC Brahmavar, which is almost 20% of the annual requirement.
Pramod Madhwaraj, present district in-charge minister of Udupi, Irene Lewis, UTI Mutual Fund officers, and Karnataka Soap and Detergent Corporation Limited chairperson Veronica Cornelio have also extended their support by sponsoring a camp.
Rtn L J Suares, K B Neelavara, Brahmavar Vyavasaya Sahakari Sangha, the presidents of the Club and their well-wishers and their friends and family members are regular contributors.
The res of the expenditures and the future depends on the goodwill and generous support from local businesses, charitable, social Institutions and benevolent philanthropists from far and near.
There is an opportunity to contribute for this social cause by sponsoring a camp (Rs 30,000 per camp).
Those who wish to contribute to the noble cause are requested to remit their donations to the following bank account:
Rotary Brahmavar
Canara Bank,
Account number: 0466101002401
IFSC: CNRB0000466
Canara Bank, Varamballi branch