Snehalaya Charitable Trust to launch de-addiction center to combat rising addiction issues
Manjeshwar: The Snehalaya Charitable Trust, which has been serving individuals with mental illnesses for the past 15 years, is now extending its support to tackle a growing social challenge—addiction. The organization will inaugurate its new De-Addiction Center on October 2, 2024, at 9:30 AM at the Snehalaya Institute in Bachalike, Pavoor, Manjeshwar, Kasaragod.
The center will be inaugurated by Michael D Souza, a prominent Indian Non-Resident Businessman from Dubai, and blessed by Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese. Venerable Deepak Valerian Tauro, Assistant Dean of Delhi Diocese, will be the Chief Guest at the event.
Keynote addresses will be delivered by renowned journalist Vijayalakshmi Shibaruru and multi-religious sage Atmadas Yami. Other notable attendees include U.T. Khader, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, MLA A.K.M. Ashraf from Manjeshwar, MLA Kunhambhu from Uduma, and Daijiworld founder Walter Nandalike. More than 50 distinguished guests, 100 donors, and thousands of spectators and well-wishers are expected to attend.
Founded in 2009 on Saint Mother Teresa’s 99th birthday, Snehalaya Charitable Trust has provided shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation to over 1,300 individuals with mental illnesses. It began as a small initiative by Joseph Crasta, an auto driver from Mangaluru, after witnessing the plight of the homeless and mentally ill. Over time, the organization has grown into a comprehensive rehabilitation center recognized by the government and appreciated by the public.
The organization operates a Psycho-Social Rehabilitation Center for Men, established in 2009, which serves 300 mentally ill individuals by providing food, medical assistance, and rehabilitation services. In 2019, Snehalaya expanded its reach by launching a Psycho-Social Rehabilitation Home for Women, catering to 90 homeless women with mental and social issues.
The organization also runs a free mid-day meal program called Snehalaya Manna, which has provided daily meals to 700 patient attendants and the underprivileged at Wenlock District Government Hospital, Mangaluru, since 2015. Additionally, Snehalaya offers free ambulance services for socio-economically backward families, provides food kits to vulnerable communities, and actively participates in relief work during emergencies such as the Kerala floods and Coorg landslides.
The organization has also been a crucial support system during the COVID-19 pandemic, constructing houses for families in need, distributing food, and offering medical aid. Through these comprehensive initiatives, Snehalaya continues to make a substantial impact in the field of social service.
Since its inception, the Trust has rescued over 1,600 homeless people and reunited more than 1,300 residents with their families.
With the launch of its new De-Addiction Center, Snehalaya aims to build an "Addiction-Free Society," focusing on providing care, treatment, and rehabilitation for individuals suffering from various forms of addiction, which is increasingly affecting the youth, adolescents, and women.
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Kerala ADGP Mahipal Yadav dies in Jaipur on day of retirement ceremony
Thiruvananthapuram: Senior IPS officer and Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Mahipal Yadav passed away in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on Wednesday. He had been undergoing treatment for a brain tumour. Yadav was due to retire from service on August 30, and a farewell function was scheduled to take place at the Kerala Police headquarters on the same day.
A 1997-batch IPS officer, Yadav last served as ADGP, Crimes, a post he was given in May 2025. Due to his illness, he had been on extended leave. Over the years, he held several key positions, including Excise Commissioner, IG Internal Security, IG Coastal Police, IG Training at the Kerala Police Academy, IG Crimes, IG Kannur Range, and IG BSF.
During his deputation with the CBI, Yadav investigated major cases such as the AgustaWestland helicopter deal and the inquiry into Mulayam Singh Yadav’s assets. For his service, he was awarded the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 2013 and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2024.
A condolence meeting is scheduled at the police headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram at 4 pm on Wednesday.
