CHENNAI: Mentally challenged persons must be taught to be independent in their everyday life, Social Welfare Minister Poongothai said on Tuesday.

She was speaking at the twelfth anniversary of Samarpana, a voluntary organisation serving spastics and mentally challenged persons.

Pointing out that the Tamil Nadu Government had allocated Rs.25 crore for the welfare of the mentally challenged this year, the minister said non-governmental organisations like Samarpana must join hands with the government for the betterment of such people. "Unlike other disabled people, mentally challenged persons do not understand their disability. Every step is a challenge for them," she said.

The minister underlined the need for providing them security, both social and financial. Non-governmental organisations must train the mentally challenged in income generation activities. Appreciating the efforts of R. Nanjunda Rao, organisation president and renowned surgeon, Ms. Poongothai said he was a man of foresight who served the society in several ways. The Minister also released the annual souvenir of Samarpana.

Founded in 1995, the organisation, in Kolathur, houses 43 persons affected by different levels of mental retardation, including 11 spastics.

B.M. Sridhar, founder of the organisation, said a 10-day old girl baby affected by Down's Syndrome was the latest addition to Samarpana.

The organisation involved the mentally challenged in vocational courses such as candle-making, paper bag making and gardening. However, the home was in dire need of therapists and special educators, he added.

Dr.Rao's birthday was also commemorated on the occasion. Cultural programmes, including a skit on `Valli Thirumanam' hosted by the inmates, stole the show.

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