Published on: March 5, 2022

Reshma Ramachandran, Section Head – Social Engagement, Pallium India, writes:

On March 4, 2022, Pallium India was privileged to host a team from Akkara Foundation, Bekal, Kasargode. Mr. Akkara Mohammed Abdul Aziz (Founder & Chairman of Akkara Foundation), Ms. Fareeda Aziz (Director and Head of Operations), Mr Mohammed Yasir (Manager) and Mr. Moideen (Palliative Care Leader) conducted an observation visit at Pallium India’s headquarters in Trivandrum.

From left: Mr Babu Abraham, Mr Mohammed Yasir, Mr Moideen, Mr. Akkara Mohammed Abdul Aziz, Ms Fareeda Aziz, Mr Vishnu P R

After Pallium India’s Chairman Dr. M.R. Rajagopal gave an overview of Pallium India and its activities, discussions ensued regarding the leadership and management with Mr Raj Kalady (CEO, Pallium India) and Manoj G.S (Executive Director, TIPS). This was followed by meetings with the Heads of Clinical, Education & Training, Social Engagement and State Facilitation Departments. Mr. Vishnu P.R and Mr. Babu Abraham were in charge of facilitating the visit.

Akkara Foundation is an NGO that has taken shape primarily to initiate medical and psycho-social assistance in the upliftment of physically and mentally challenged individuals. As per the report of National Human Rights Commission, more than 50,000 villagers of the Kasaragod district are exposed to Endosulfan pesticides, resulting in rare diseases like cerebral palsy, mental retardation, neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer. Many children experience difficulties in school, particularly with concentration, learning, speech, language, social skills, and behavioral difficulties.

As one of the top development centers for children with disabilities, Akkara Foundation specializes in the rehabilitation of children and young adults with Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Muscular dystrophy, Developmental disorders, Epilepsy, other Neurological and Locomotor disorders and undiagnosed conditions. A survey performed in 12 panchayats in Kasaragode revealed a startling fact that 100% of the Endosulfan-affected people in their community required home-based palliative care service. Recognizing the necessity of a comprehensive care for many of their beneficiaries, the foundation started palliative care activities on November 1st, 2018.

In January 2022, in an effort to make their services more efficient, structured and professional, Akkara Foundation entered into a collaboration with Pallium India.

It was an honor to meet and collaborate with a team that travels right into the heart of vulnerable communities to discover the true extent of suffering and attempt to relieve it with dignity and respect, in a remote area on Kerala’s northern border.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to collaborate and we look forward to learning from each other.