In 1947, I passed intermediate examination from CMS College Kottayam. Soon, I was selected for BSc (Honours) Nursing Course in Delhi University. This course was started to select girls from upper middle-class families for the nursing profession from all over India. Girls from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Lahore and Punjab were enrolled for this course.
All our staff members were missionaries from United States of America. They had high respect for Mahatma Gandhi. Every week, on Saturdays, we were taken to Mahatma Gandhi’s Prayer meeting at his residence, Birla House. In one such meeting, Gandhiji was shot, but the bullet missed him. Our driver who was standing behind the shooter, caught hold of him and handed him over to police. Later, in another such meeting, Gandhiji was shot dead by Nathuram Godse.
During the partition of India into Hindustan and Pakistan, riots broke out. Students as well as staff from our college participated in the relief work and were posted to refugee camps and hospitals. Finally, normal life prevailed and those who had passed out of nursing school went back to their respective states.
We were the first set of BSc Nursing (Honours) graduates in India. BSc Nursing (Pass) course was also started in Vellore Christian Medical College during this time. We had the opportunity to participate as pioneers in various developmental projects, research work, education programmes and administration in hospitals and medical colleges across India.
After 42 years in Delhi, my husband and me returned to our family home in Kottayam. However, I wanted to continue my professional life. It was during that time, Mahatma Gandhi University started BSc. Nursing course in the School of Medical Education (SME) . I was appointed as Professor and Head of Department of Nursing. Later, I worked as Principal of Cheran College of Nursing, Coimbatore and there my professional life came to an end.
After few years, our children were away in foreign countries and we decided to stay in Mundakapadam Mandirams’ Senior Citizen Homes. Rev. K C Mathew Achen was leading the institution then. We had a hearty welcome from all the staff members, treasurer Shri. George Kurian and Shri. Cherian George (Kunjachen Sir). Thereafter, we are living as one family in JMM.
JMM is situated in the well-maintained compound of Mandirams Society with peaceful surroundings and serene atmosphere. It offers different levels of assistance as per the inmate’s need. There is assisted living, independent living and living with palliative care assistance.
We attend regular church services within Mandirams Chapel. Conventions and other functions are organised by Mandirams. Christmas and Onam are celebrated. Social and recreational activities are available . The inmates accompanied with staff occasionally go for boating, sightseeing etc.
Mandirams’ dedicated staff closely interact with residents of Senior Citizens Homes to ensure them a comfortable homelike quality stay and supporting services. We as residents owe a great deal to the leaders of society – Secretary, Chairman, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary; mess team and other staff members.
Mandirams Society also runs Agathi Mandiram and Balika Mandiram within our campus. At Agathi Mandiram, the handicapped, rejected, sick and lonely find solace and happiness. Balika Mandiram is a blessing for orphaned girls. Girl children are provided with good education in the best schools and they are trained to have a happy future.
Mandiram Institutions are ‘a home away from home’ for its residents. We lead a strong faith-based living.
Mrs. Annamma Mathai
Resident, JMM