KOZHIKODE: Asha Niketan, a shelter for abandoned people, at Mudadi near Koyilandi, will celebrate its 40 years of service on December 8. A federation of various groups engaged in assisting the mentally challenged at Nandi Bazar, Asha Niketan runs a special school with 90 students which has been recognised by the government. It functions under the FMR-India (Fellowship with Mentally Retarded), an affiliate member of L'Arche International which serves differently-abled persons throughout the world.
Asha Niketan comprises three residential homes--Prabhalayam, Deepalayalm and Anandalayam-- along with a daycare centre, vocational training unit and an outreach programme with families providing compassion and care. "Unlike other centres with the same vision, Asha Niketan has a distinctive rhythm that celebrates the unique value of every person in a community" said Dr. U.
Sreedharan, chairman. "Our workshops provide employment for the residents as well as daily workers who come from the neighbourhood. The works include making of candles, umbrellas, soaps, groom sticks and stitching, he added. "The administrative body and the governing council consisting of nine members contribute their professional as well as other skills to help the residents in their needs, including medical. We also get help through our websitewww.ashaniketancalicutnandhibazar.org," Mr Santhosh, community leader said.
The centre will be hit by water scarcity with the announcement of NH bypass from Nandi Bazaar to Chengottukavu as it will pass through the 3.5-acre land of Asha Niketan with three water sources in it. "We have given a joint petition to the sub-collector and we have been promised a compensation package, but that cannot replace our water sources," said Ms Heera Nettur, governing council member.
