Support Abandoned Mentally Challenged Children

Our journey began in 2002

Back then, a young boy deeply concerned by the plight of abandoned mentally challenged children made a life-altering decision to dedicate his life to their cause. Instead of opting for a lucrative career, he decided to do his very best to protect them and eradicate the social stigma attached to them.

Iyyappan Subramanian founded Sri Arunodayam (a Registered Charitable Trust) in February 2002 and began his critical work with a single abandoned mentally challenged child on May 22, 2003. 

And that’s how the journey commenced, as he threw open his doors to all mentally challenged children abandoned by their families.

(Read the story here.)

Relentlessly pursuing a vision

Iyyappan’s journey is one of incredible courage, conviction, perseverance, and love. It inspires hope against all hope when examined against a backdrop of ignorance, social stigma, and indifference meted out to the mentally challenged in India around 15 years ago.

It must have certainly taken a lot of courage to leave his village and familiar surroundings and head for the city to pursue his cause. He completed his studies and with no support or financial aid from anyone, registered his Trust in 2002 with just Rs 1500/- in his pocket! There weren’t any known homes for the mentally challenged at that time, and opening one entailed a lot of legal ramifications.

But soon enough, abandoned children kept tricking in and Sri Arunodayam rescued over 320 children over the years, of which 78 were reunited with their families and 56 were transferred to other homes for specialized care.

It’s only in recent times that homes for the mentally challenged have opened up and Government grants are being extended for this work. But when Iyyappan started back then, this was not the case. It was an uphill climb with no rewards or recognitions in sight – undeniable proof of his steadfastness in what appeared to be a hopeless situation.

Serving with love

The condition of the children arriving at the home is always pitiful to see. Having endured rejection, abuse and unimaginable hardships, many of them have serious medical conditions that require immediate attention.

At Sri Arunodayam, they are fed, clothed, nurtured and comforted. Their rehabilitation process is a life-long one. You’ll get a quick round-up of how we nurture them into becoming as self-reliant as possible, at: http://sriarunodayam.org/what-we-do/ and https://sriarunodayam.org/development-programs/

Celebrating our 15^th year!

We always have reasons to be thankful. It adds to the joyous mood at the home. We encourage the children to celebrate every good thing – whether it be a selfless gesture by a volunteer or a festival or a personal milestone. Having a lot more to be grateful for this year, we celebrated the 26^th February with a variety entertainment program and a sporting event, to mark our epic journey. Mrs. Jayalakshmi (District Social Welfare Officer Chennai) and Mr. Santhosh Muruganantham (Founder, Kolapasi Restaurant) were our chief guests who gave away medals and prizes to the children, who participated with much excitement. Over 50 donors and well-wishers attended the function.

“Thank you dear friends for taking this memorable journey with us over the past 15 years. As we commence our 16th year, we look forward with hope to reach out to more children as you continue to partner with us - helping bring light into the lives of the destitute, and hope into the hearts of the hopeless. ”