How rehab centres are aiding patients celebrate Diwali

Apart from preparing traditional treats such as shev, laddoos, and chivda for distribution to well-wishers, the centre teams also showcased their handmade block-printed garments and handbags at various exhibitions.

Diwali is an extra special this year for residents of Pratiti Psycho Social Rehabilitation Centre. Besides preparing traditional treats such as shev, laddoos, and chivda for distribution to wishers, the centre team includes persons who have bravely faced mental health challenges such as mood disorders, schizophrenia, and other conditions. They also show their handmade block-printed garments and handbags for various exhibitions. Sushpti Sathe, director of Pratuti Psycho Social Rehabilitation Centre, told The Indian Express, "We have 125 people with various mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar mood disorder and others staying with us. We prefer to call them residents rather than patients as the centre is home for them. Some of them who recover and are on minimal medicines are employed at our kiosk."

Among the team actively participating in Diwali decorations and traditional sweets are Anupa, Deepa and Jhanvi. Sathe recalls when Anupa and Deepa, in their 30s, were brought to the centre by their parents. They had behavioural issues while Jhanvi, in her 40s, suffered from schizophrenia.

"Today, these women have recorded and are also involved in discussions and meetings to encourage people to seek help if they have a mental health ailment," Sathe added. Anupa, who has made exquisite block-printed garments and handbags, now works at the centre and earns Rs 8000 per month, while Jhanvi manages the library and earns Rs 10,000-12,000 per month.

"The team has participated with extra zeal this Diwali and has asked for leave it turns," said Sathe, adding that these women were now an asset to her organisation. At Chaitanya Institute for Mental Health, efforts have been made to create a homely atmosphere as persons recovering from mental illness participate in decorating the premises and making sweets. Roney George, founder and director of Chaitnya Institute for Mental Health, says at least 600 people are at the centre. "Their stay is typically brief and focused on recovery from mental illness and developing social skills, yet even during this short time, we make sure they are cared for just like family," he added.

As per George, at least 5-10 per cent do not have homes to return to, and the centre becomes their permanent home. "There is a 55-year-old woman who has been with the centre for a long time. She had schizophrenia, and her old parents decided to stay with her at the centre. While the mother passed away during Covid 19, the 97-year-old father breathed his last recently. She has no other support system. Hence, we allow her duties at the centre and make her self-reliant," says George. Yerwada's regional mental hospital also has organised similar activities for the patient's medical superintendent, Dr Sunil Patil, who said he held a small get-together on Diwali.

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