Sri Gayathri Medical Mission And Research Foundation
Sri Gayathri Medical Mission And Research Foundation, an initiative of Udavum Karangal, is an out- patient clinic providing affordable medical care to the under privileged people of Thiruverkadu. A General Practitioner, Dentist, Orthopaedic, Ophthalmologist and a Physiotherapist are available. There are Lab facilities like ECG and X-Ray . Every day around 100 patients benefit from this health centre. Our experience with the Out- Patients Clinic showed us that there was a desperate need for a Hospital. A 50- bed Primary Hospital is nearing completion. This will be a boon for the migrants, the pilgrims who come in large numbers and to the local poor people.
WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
The goal of Jeevan Initiatives, a unit of Udavum Karangal , is to enable women from economically poor families to become financially independent with opportunities to earn a living.
Jeevan Community college
Started in 2007 , about 500 girls have finished the one year Nursing Assistant course and are employed in various hospitals. The course is recognized by Tamil Nadu Open University.
Jeevan Computer Centre
Computer literacy is a valuable asset and a key to employment. Girls over 15, who have completed VIII Std. are taught basic and advanced computer skills.
Short Stay Facility for women
Women who have undergone physical or mental abuse can find a temporary refuge, guidance and counseling in Shanthi Vanam ,in Thiruverkadu.
Jeevan School of Tailoring
400 women have learnt tailoring here and are working in garment units or are self- employed.
Senior Citizen Day Care
Senior Citizen Day Care Centre reaches out to the elderly and provides free lunch, medical facilities and stay for the day.
Annai Creche
A working woman, especially a construction worker or a maid, can work peacefully knowing that her child is in safe hands. When the children reach school- going age they are admitted in Ramakrishna Vidya Niketan.
Gayathri Sevai Maiyam
Gayathri Sevai Maiyam is a Community Out-reach program in the slums of Thiruverkadu. A survey was done to identify the needs of the people there. Profile of the family, Health, Education and Employment were done with emphasis on disability and the elderly. Some of their activities are: conducting free medical camps, organizing cataract surgeries, finding employment etc. Kalvi Tuition Center coaches children after school. 56 children benefit from this program.
Murugan, a polio- affected orphan, had finished 12 th. Std. but could not take up any job because of mobility problems. He was helped to find a job at Sathya Shoe Fashion and given a tricycle for commuting to and from work.
Disaster Relief Service
Udavum Karangal’s services go beyond any fixed category. Wherever there is suffering, its loving hands are stretched out.
In 2004, when Tsunami destroyed several coastal villages, Udavum Karangal was there providing immediate relief materials. Kanathur village was adopted and basic necessities of life and livelihood materials were distributed. 72 permanent houses were built for the victims.
The floods in December 2015, left many people in Thiruverkadu homeless. Udavum Karangal responded quickly by giving food packets, organizing medical camps and distributing relief materials.
Beyond Borders
Arena , a Dutch lady was rescued near Thiruvannamalai in an extremely distressed condition. Having lost all her papers, she had become homeless and was abused by some men. She was given refuge and treatment, helped to get all her papers and reunited with her family.
Arena is not the only foreigner who was rescued and sent safely back home. There was an instance when Mr. Vidyaakar accompanied a distressed German woman to her homeland.
Children from Bangladesh who had been smuggled into India for camel-racing, Tamil men languishing in a prison in Pakistan .. the saving grace of Udavum Karangal reached out to them and they reached home safe.
