Click to play videoBhubaneshwar: Mission Ashra in Bhubaneshwar is using the Diwali festivities as therapy for women with special needs and helping them reunite with their families. It has transformed Indira Choudhary's life, giving the 38-year-old the much-needed refuge to recover from a nervous breakdown after her father's death in 2006.
Regular treatment at 'Mission Ashra' and being a part of Diwali festivities has helped her overcome her demons.
"Celebrating Diwali has been therapeutic. I enjoy the festival a lot and feel very happy on the occasion," said Mission Ashra inmate Indira Chaudhary.
Not every one at 'Mission Ashra' is as lucky as Indira. Gita, for instance, is unaware that Diwali celebration is more therapeutic than ritualistic.
"I enjoy bursting crackers. I miss my family and want to go back home," said Gita, another inmate.
Since its inception in 2003, Mission Ashra has rescued 547 mentally-ill women from the streets and railway stations. So far 367 women have been reunited with their families after such therapeutic treatment.
"Withdrawal is a symptom of chronic mental illness because of the social breakdown they suffer. When they are involved in festivities like Diwali it's therapeutic as they relate to their past and have a change in the mindset," said Dr Nilamadhab Rath, HOD, Psychiatric Dept, SCB Medical College, Cuttack.
Orissa, which does not have a single government-run mental health rehabilitation centre, has an estimated three-lakh plus people suffering from mental illness. Gobinda Patnaik, the founder, has done a yeoman's service taking care of more than 150 mentally-ill women. While donations sometimes prove inadequate, Patnaik remains optimistic.
"The common man can play a huge role in a very simple manner. By just sharing the joy, caring for them and simply involving them in their happiness," said Mission Ashra Director Gobinda Patnaik.
Celebrations like Diwali might not be the only reason for the recoveries of such mentally ill women, but experts believe it definitely play a big role in their treatment. We only wish these unfortunate women get well soon and celebrate next Diwali with their families.
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