A mentally ill man who was rescued from the streets of Chennai by the social workers of Udavum Karangal was rehabilitated, counselled and reunited with his family in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh. On 17th January 2020, a team from Udavum Karangal rescued Bhagvan Singh, 41, from the streets of Puzhudivakkam near the Raymond showroom in Chennai. His clothes were filthy. The team took him to Shanthivanam, Udavum Karangal’s home for the destitute. Thanks to constant psychiatric evaluation and general medication there, he recovered over the past two years and provided information about his residence in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh.
Singh wished to return to his family. On World Mental Health Day (October 10) this year, he boarded a train to Khandwa, accompanied by voluntary supporters Periyaswamy and Bhawar Lal. The whole process of reunion was organised by our social worker Srinivasa Rao with the guidance of Vidyaakar, founder, Udavum Karangal.
Years ago, when he was 16, Singh had lost his parents and failed in the 10th grade. He then went through the uncomfortable realities of life and grew scared and uncertain. Emotions (emotions, (including anger and guilt) got the better of him and his battle with mental health raged over years. Singh reached Bhusaval on 11th October morning and was received by his nephews, Kamesh and Priyesh.
(Based on a press release from Udavum Karangal)
October 2022
from Webdoux