This woman couldn't adopt, now she helps hundreds of children
Many people have benefited thanks to Annie of Kottayam (Kerala), who opened the Santhwanam Charitable Trust for children and women years ago. But few know her decision was the result of a personal-failure. The law didn't allow Annie to adopt three-year-old Muthu, with whom she shared a close bond. That was when she decided to help not just Muthu, but several others like her.
Annie had always worked for the downtrodden
In the 2000s, Annie was volunteering at Thanal, a charitable body that helped downtrodden women, and eventually became the secretary. At one point, their rehabilitation center was so drained that she had to refuse shelter to several people coming in. But she was heartbroken when she found out later that two of those women committed suicide, and another got murdered by her alcoholic husband.
As she closed a door, another opened
Annie resigned. But in her last month at Thanal, fate brought Muthu to her. Police, who brought the child, said she had been abandoned by her family, who considered her an ill-omen. Despite Annie's efforts, her parents refused to accept Muthu. So Annie and her husband Babu decided to adopt her. Then law intervened: they couldn't adopt her, as their combined age was above 90.
Santhwanam was born out of Annie's motivation in 2007
Instead of grieving, Annie took it as an opportunity to help many others like Muthu. And thus in 2007, Santhwanam was born. Back then, there were only seven kids there. But over time, it grew and was soon recognized by police and other departments as a safe haven. Santhwanam became home to orphans, abandoned kids, distressed and tortured women, and anyone who needed support.
In times of crisis, Santhwanam always found help
As with any such outfit, finances soon became an issue for Annie and Babu, who didn't find help from the government or international agencies. But somehow, they always found assistance from people, even strangers, in the form of money, material aid and more. Sometimes, irate husbands and fathers would create problems, but Santhwanam has stood by its women.
Annie is today a mother to 100 women and children
Despite all hurdles, today, Annie is a mother to 50 children and another 50 women. Many are pursuing higher-education, while some have even got employment abroad. Annie says most women who come for help are on the brink of a nervous breakdown. For all inhabitants, they arrange psychological counseling, life skill training, meditation classes, free legal aid, and opportunities to make an independent life.
Do you want to help in Annie's selfless journey?
Annie and Babu could do with all help they can get. If you feel like contributing to improve the life of an underprivileged person, you can contact Santhwanam at 0481-2590630 or 9447568244. You can visit their website at www.santhwanamkottayam.org, or search Facebook for 'Santhwanam Charitable Trust Kottayam.'
