For parents of children with learning disabilities, the Ayurvedic Child and Adolescent Care Centre at Thalakkulathur holds a special place in the heart. For, it was there that their children found their way back to normal life.
The centre is part of the district panchayat’s ‘Spandanam’ project, aimed at the wholesome development of children through Ayurveda, which has benefited over 48,000 children over the last five years.
‘Anavadya’, the fifth anniversary of the project, was a celebration indeed for the jubilant parents and children who had gathered in hundreds at the CMM Higher Secondary School at Thalakkulathur on Sunday.
The Spandanam project was launched under the aegis of the Department of Indian Systems of Medicine as well as the Kozhikode district panchayat under the guidance of N. Sreekumar.
At first it was based at the Government Ayurveda Hospital in Kozhikode with just two sub centres and a five-member staff. Five years on, the base has been shifted to the Ayurvedic Child and Adolescent Care Centre at Thalakkulathur. There are seven sub centres across the district and the staff strength has increased to 14.
Spandanam addresses all physical and psychological ailments faced by children up to 20 years, though special emphasis is given to learning disabilities and behavioural problems. The project offers treatment through various streams besides providing necessary awareness and support to parents.
District panchayat president Babu Parasseri who presided over the function said the panchayat was keen on developing the hospital into an independent facility and a master plan of ₹35 crore had been submitted to the State government. A.K. Saseendran, MLA, who was the guest of honour, said he would take up the issue with the Chief Secretary. Dr. Sreekumar, who recently won the State government’s ‘Charaka Award’ for best physician in Ayurveda, was honoured on the occasion.
