Steephan Kayyar

Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod (SP)

Kasargod, Jul 7: 'Snehalaya', an organization based in Pavoor, Manjeshwar in the district, has emerged as a role model for social service organizations by becoming leading light in the life of a youth from Chhattisgarh, who suffered from mental retardation and had been living off the streets.

Happy reunion with family

Krishnakumar when found six months back

Thanks to Snehalaya, Krishnakumar (30), who belongs to Kurda village in Janjgir - Champa district of Chhattisgarh state, who was driven to streets after developing psychological disorders, is safely back with his parents now.

Joseph Crasta from Snehalaya and his associates saw Krishnakumar scouring for food from among waste dumped by the roadside near State Bank of India Mangaluru about six months ago. They rescued him and arranged for his rehabilitation and treatment. He is back to full health now. On the basis of home address provided by Krishnakumar, representatives of Snehalaya contacted his family, after which he was safely entrusted to his family members.

The youth happens to be fourth among eight children of Firadkumar-Pampa Guvar couple. He studied up to seventh standard. About 18 months back, he had gone missing all of a sudden from his native place. His family members had searched for him at various places and filed police complaint, but their efforts had proved futile. The family members had become distraught and lost hope of finding their son.

After he was contacted and told that his son was under the care of Snehalaya here, Krishnakumar's father, Firadkumar, came here along with a relative, and left for his native place with his son by Chennai-bound train.

Firadkumar has profusely thanked Joseph Crasta, Snehalaya, and its team of volunteers who provided care and treatment for his son and gave him a new lease of life.

Snehalaya, which has its base at Bachalike, Pavoor, Manjeshwar, has already guided the lives of hundreds of destititute, mentally ill people, beggars, homeless persons etc and helped them towards leading an honourable life and brighter future. It has exemplified in serving the society by transforming lives of Krishnakumar and many others like him and helping them to join the mainstream.