Our Concern

Seon Ashram for the past Nine years has been actively involved in this healing and rehabilitating ministry.   Today, the attitude in general of the society is individualistic rather than Communitarian or social. One thinks of his own growth, well being and success in the society. Hence the mentally challenged are really a thorn in the flesh for many of this type. These patients have become a burden and shame for the family, hence many think of getting rid of the mentally ill and physically disabled people. When that moment comes Seon Ashram is awaiting with open arms to welcome all the rejected and neglected people to accommodate and rehabilitate them. God has created everybody in His own image and likeness. All have the right to live and live as equals in the society. It is man’s selfishness that has created discrimination. Therefore the motto of Seon Ashram is to heal the broken hearted and send them back to the society where they can live indignity and equality. Day by day the number of inmates is increasing and the ashram is ready to accept this challenge.

Area and target group

The Institution is situated in Gandibagilu a remote village of Belthangady Taluk. The inmates so far accommodated are from the places far and near covering all the districts of Karnataka State and farther states like Bihar, Orrissa, Rajasthan, Gujarat, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Andra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamilnadu and Haryana. The Target group is not restricted to one section of the people or those of particular problem. The Institution welcomes mainly the mentally ill, mentally challenged (retarded) and physically disabled along with the old aged, widows, paralyzed, and orphan children. All these are either found on the streets or dropped in here by the police, bus drivers, and also by the NGOs. This group again includes patients of every caste, creed and religion without any discrimination and age limits. Hence the intention and interest of the institution is not so much on the area and the people but the problem and the concern for the sick and the suffering.

Methods

The basic approach of this project is service oriented. As the beneficiary is unable to do much, it is only the staff who has to look after the patients. Medical treatment is the major part of the project where the professional doctors and psychiatrists treat the inmates. Along with this, the inmates are taken care and are gradually taught to take care of each other and themselves. Prayer and spiritual exercises too play a major role in the mental healing of the patients. Those who are cured and feel fit are sent to their respective homes and few are rehabilitated in the institution itself. Apart from this, the surrounding local poor children and people are encouraged to go to school and provided job opportunities. Overall the task is based on humanitarian grounds.
Treatment

. Identify and admit the patients to the institution.
. Appoint medical doctors and qualified nurses to take care of the health of patients.
. Psychiatric doctor and a psychologist visit the institution regularly to asses the mental growth of the patients.
. Lab and X-ray technician and pharmacist are the part of the medicine and referral treatment.
. Medicines are given to all the patients as per the prescription of the doctors.
. In case of necessity, the patients are taken to city hospitals of Mangalore and also to Bangalore for further treatment.
. Games and recreation, cultural programmes to help them reduce mental stress and relax.
. Prayers and spiritual exercises to calm the mind and forget the mental stress.
. Orphan children are admitted to school for better education.
. Old aged are looked after till they breath their last.

Rehabilitation

. Inmates are taught to take care of themselves.
. They help others in cleanliness.
. Taught to help in kitchen, work in garden and dairy.
. Non formal and basic education is given at the campus.
. Sent to their respective homes to live with their families.
. Those not accepted in the families are rehabilitated in the institution.
. Farming & agriculture, book making, soap & candle preparation.
. Provide job placement in the government offices under reservations.
. Provide technical education for the able.
. Provide education and job oriented courses.
. Arrange training and seminars on the issues of mental illness and physical disability.