The Home for the Poor was established in 1933 to provide solace and comfort to the aged, sick and helpless, discarded from families and neglected by Society. It was the vision of the founder, Shri. P.C. George and his sister Leyamma that Mandirams Society should strive to alleviate the sufferings of the poor by providing food, shelter, clothing and medical care, without showing any discrimination. We at the Mandirams follow the guiding principles of the founders to bring joy and peace to the inmates at the twilight of their life.
Snehabhavan where the elderly men stay has facilities to accommodate 40 people. A Geriatric Ward with 8 beds for the terminally ill is functioning here at the Snehabhavan.
The elderly female inmates are accommodated in Soumya Bhavan. There are facilities for 50 inmates in Soumya Bhavan. An isolation ward is also part of the Soumya Bhavan. Karuthal Bhavan is a 30 bedded Geriatric Ward for bed-ridden female inmates. The Geriatric Wards are functioning under the direct supervision of Mandiram Hospital which provides services of qualified nurses assisted by home nurses.
There are 115 inmates now. So far, Mandiram has given shelter to 2831 destitute since its inception. 1172 inmates passed away peacefully. Most of the inmates are weak and sick. Some are bedridden. A few healthy male and female inmates volunteer their services in the kitchen and help to keep the premises clean. A small Occupational Therapy unit functions in the Mandiram. This unit makes washing soaps, detergent powder and cleaning solutions which is used in the Mandiram and the Hospital.
A picnic is organized every year for the inmates. Onam, Christmas and Easter festivals are celebrated in the Mandirams with great enthusiasm. During Christmas, several Church groups visit Mandirams and distribute sweets and entertain the inmates with Carols. Special meals are also served on these occasions.
Mandiram Chapel remains open round the clock for prayer and meditation. Evening prayers are conducted every day in the Chapel. Worship services are conducted regularly on Sundays by priests of Mar Thoma, Orthodox and C.S.I Churches.
The Fellowship on Thursdays is a highly rejuvenating experience for the inmates of the Mandiram. Separate meetings are conducted for male and female inmates. Prayer, singing, messages, simple exercises and programmes by the inmates are the highlights of the Fellowship.
Truly believing in our motto ‘We live by faith’ we reaffirm, our faith and trust in God Almighty and our commitment to serve the poor and needy.
Prof. George P. Varkey
Secretary, Mandiram Society