Challenged, but cheerful

KOCHI: For the small group of people at the Santhushta Sadhanam, an organisation for the mentally challenged, a surprise awaited them on Tuesday.The group along with their mentors jointly laid the foundation stone of their soon-to-be inaugurated school at a small plot of land, near Kundanoor junction in Vytilla. “We wanted them to feel that they have an important role to play in the building of the school and take pride in it,” says Jose Palathunkal, owner of the school. The school which started functioning in a rented building six years back, presently has around 10 mentally challenged people who are trained in both curricular and extra curricular activities.Yoga, instrumental music and computer skills have become a part of their day-to-day training. “ These people have only mild disorders and hence are able to grasp a little more than those who are acutely affected,” said Principal of the school, Lija K. Some of the children and youngsters are extremely talented, Lija says. 36-years-old Sanjith Jose, the oldest among the lot can recollect all the birthdays and phone numbers of people with whom he interacts.Naseeb, another member, remembers the names of all film stars and sports personalities who make headlines everyday. Althaf, a tallish youth has an impressive understanding of music and also loves mimicry.”Some like Aji are more introverted and we see him siting in a corner, watching the rest indulge in their happy banter. But he too is greatly fond of his group, which he has grown to love over the time.When a particular member is absent from the team, the children tend to get worried. “ In spite of all their troubles, they are a happy lot. They have a sense of belonging and love that unite them all to believe they are together in this,” the principal says.