On the 1st of January 2025, a group of 100 students and teachers visited Amalabhavan in Kannur as part of the Nurturing Hearts program. This visit aimed to inspire young minds to understand and engage with individuals who face special challenges in life, particularly those with disabilities. The event was filled with meaningful interactions, thoughtful discussions, and heartfelt activities that left a lasting impact on everyone involved.
Event Highlights:
- Inaugural Ceremony:
The event was chaired by Dr. C.V. Jayasree, who set the tone for the day’s proceedings. Her opening speech emphasized the importance of compassion, inclusivity, and the significance of extending a helping hand to those in need. - Talk by Mr. George Joseph:
Mr. George Joseph, an expert in rehabilitation, delivered an insightful talk on the importance of rehabilitation for individuals with special needs. He explained how rehabilitation empowers individuals to lead more independent and fulfilling lives, encouraging the students to become active participants in creating supportive environments for all. - Individual and Group Counseling Sessions:
A series of individual and group counseling sessions were conducted by professionals for the residents of Amalabhavan. These sessions focused on emotional well-being and mental health, aiming to provide guidance and support to the individuals living at the center. The students had the opportunity to observe and learn about the power of communication in healing and personal development. - Recreational Activities:
The students actively participated in a variety of recreational activities with the residents, including games, art, and music sessions. These activities not only brought joy to everyone involved but also helped bridge the gap between the students and the residents, fostering mutual respect and friendship. - Community Engagement – Cleaning Work:
As part of their involvement in community service, the students took part in cleaning and organizing the spaces within the Amalabhavan campus. This task was carried out with enthusiasm and dedication, emphasizing the value of maintaining a clean and healthy environment for everyone. - Cake Cutting and Celebrations:
In honor of the new year and to celebrate the spirit of togetherness, a cake-cutting ceremony was held. The residents, students, and teachers came together to mark the occasion with joy and warmth, sharing in the happiness of the day. - Gift Exchange and Monetary Support:
A meaningful gift exchange ceremony took place, with students presenting handmade gifts to the residents. Additionally, monetary help was provided to the institution to support its ongoing initiatives. This gesture of giving helped further strengthen the bond of kindness between the visitors and the residents. We sponsored and handover the Beds for the inmates those who were suffering illness. - Receiving the Certificate of Appreciation- The authority of Amala Bhavan handed over a certificate of appreciation to the principal of SUM College of Teacher Education for their valuable service rendering to Amala bhavan destitute for a decade.
Conclusion:
The Nurturing Hearts program’s visit to Amalabhavan was a deeply enriching and emotional experience for both the students and the residents. Through counseling sessions, recreational activities, and acts of kindness, the students learned invaluable lessons in empathy, social responsibility, and community engagement. The visit also highlighted the importance of rehabilitation and the role of individuals in contributing to a more inclusive and supportive society.
The heartfelt interactions, the shared moments of celebration, and the generous contributions made this event a powerful reminder of the importance of nurturing not only the minds but also the hearts of individuals in society. The students left with a renewed sense of purpose, having experienced first hand the transformative power of compassion and collective action.
