Empowering Tribal Children at Kottoor Village, Trivandrum :- A Social Awareness Class on Drug Misuse and Its Impact
Our team held an educational and illuminating workshop highlighting the recent use of hazardous substances that varies from pan, gutka, to MDMA, etc. in collaboration with team SOFT MIND and NGO SAVE. The purpose of our session in this tribal community was to raise awareness of the serious effects of using such toxic drugs among people, especially youngsters, and to inculcate a feeling of responsibility for one’s own personal health and the welfare of society as a whole.
As part of their community awareness programme, our eight intern applicants joined us for this community session as listeners to comprehend the diverse individuals and lifestyles in our society. With tremendous enthusiasm since so many members of the neighbourhood had been waiting for the outcome. Children constituted the majority of the crowd. The village’s SAMUHYA PAATA MURII was designated as the location for the event. As we arrived, the crowd applauded our team’s welcome. The workshop then commenced with immense anticipation from our facilitator.
Understanding the cultural diversity and unique lifestyle of the tribal community, the facilitators get involved with them by using local examples and local languages. The facilitators gave an introduction before the session and explained why they were there. They engaged in playful conversation and activities with the kids to win their trust and establish a connection. This encouraged the kids and those around to open up and participate fully in our conversation throughout.
As the class continued, a thorough discussion of drug addiction with particular attention to pan and gutka—things they used to see in their everyday lives—took place. To teach the negative consequences of these chemicals on their bodies, our team employed the storytelling technique. The children present over there listened with keen interest and responded to our questions too. They were actively participating in the discussion. The session was designed to empower the kids to make wise decisions and avoid the temptations of substance misuse.
Our team put in an outstanding and admirable effort. In addition to bridging the gap with the local community, it was useful in building continued support for the locals. The event helped build a better and stronger foundation for the tribe children’s future, free from the chains of drug abuse, by educating and supporting them.
"Happiness and Wellness During Crucial Times of Our Lives"- A Healing Sesssion @HOPE Foundation, Trivandrum
Mrs Rajula Maniyeri conducted a deeply impactful and thought-provoking session titled “Happiness and Wellness During Crucial Times of Our Lives” at the HOPE Foundation in Trivandrum on the occasion of world mental health day ,2024. This event was specially designed for parents of children who have survived cancer, as well as for couples who have faced the emotional and psychological strains brought about by their child’s diagnosis and recovery. The session was aimed at providing a space of healing, understanding, and empowerment for families who have navigated the intense challenges of childhood cancer.
The session began with a warm welcome from the HOPE Foundation, where Rajula Mnaiyeri introduced the topic of the day: happiness and wellness during life’s most crucial moments. Acknowledging the profound emotional toll that a cancer diagnosis and recovery can take on families, Rajula emphasized the importance of mental well-being, not just during recovery, but throughout the long-term journey that families face together. She highlighted how the road to emotional recovery often requires more than just physical healing—it demands attention to the mental, emotional, and relational aspects of well-being.
Rajula’s approach was holistic and compassionate, acknowledging that while parents and caregivers are often so focused on the child’s recovery, they can easily overlook their own mental health. The session was designed to help attendees understand that self-care, emotional resilience, and maintaining a sense of joy and connection are essential parts of the healing process for the entire family unit.
Key Themes and Insights Shared:
- The Emotional Roller Coaster of Cancer Recovery:
Rajula began by exploring the psychological landscape that families often navigate when dealing with childhood cancer, noting that the process can feel like an emotional roller coaster. Parents and caregivers often experience a mix of relief, gratitude, guilt, fear, and exhaustion as their child goes through treatment and recovery. These intense emotions can sometimes create a sense of instability or lead to feelings of burnout.
Rajula encouraged parents to acknowledge and validate their emotional responses, reassuring them that what they were feeling was both natural and understandable. She also emphasized that healing is not a linear process, and emotional ups and downs are a normal part of the journey.
- Cultivating Emotional Resilience:
One of the core elements of the session was emotional resilience—the ability to adapt to adversity and bounce back from challenging experiences. Rajula shared practical strategies for building resilience in the face of hardship. She encouraged parents to focus on their strengths, build emotional flexibility, and adopt a mindset that views challenges as opportunities for growth.
Techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and journaling were introduced as ways to help manage stress and stay grounded in difficult moments. Parents were encouraged to develop a routine of self-care, which included taking time for themselves, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking support when needed.
- Maintaining a Sense of Joy and Happiness:
A significant part of Rajula’s session focused on the importance of finding joy and cultivating happiness even during difficult times. She spoke about the power of gratitude, the practice of focusing on small moments of joy, and the need to celebrate wins—no matter how small they may seem.
She explained that happiness is not always about grand moments or “perfect” outcomes, but about finding peace in the present and recognizing that it’s okay to feel joy even in the midst of hardship. Parents and caregivers were invited to share how they had found happiness during their journey, creating an atmosphere of positivity and mutual support.
- Supporting Relationships and Couples:
For couples, the session delved into the impact of a child’s illness on their relationship. Rajula acknowledged that the stress of managing a child’s health can sometimes strain relationships between partners, leading to feelings of isolation or miscommunication. She provided couples with strategies to reconnect, communicate openly, and support each other emotionally.
The importance of “relationship resilience” was a key point of discussion, with Rajula emphasizing the need for partners to lean on each other as sources of strength, compassion, and understanding. Couples were also encouraged to carve out quality time together—away from the hospital or treatment routines—to nurture their bond and reinforce their emotional connection.
- The Role of Support Systems:
Rajula discussed the significance of community and external support systems. She reminded the attendees that while the journey may feel isolating at times, they are not alone. Connecting with other families who have gone through similar experiences, as well as seeking professional psychological support when needed, can be critical in maintaining mental wellness. The HOPE Foundation itself was highlighted as a powerful resource, offering not only financial assistance but also a supportive network for families.
- The Power of Hope:
Throughout the session, Rajula reinforced the theme of hope, which is central to the mission of the HOPE Foundation. She explained how hope is not just about looking forward to the future but about finding strength in the present moment. By focusing on positive experiences, cultivating inner strength, and relying on the support of others, families can build a foundation of hope that sustains them through difficult times.
Impact of the Session:
By the end of the session, attendees expressed feeling more hopeful and empowered. Many shared that the session helped them realize the importance of taking care of their own emotional needs, as well as the value of finding joy and connection even during trying times. The interactive elements allowed for open dialogue and a sense of solidarity among families, and many felt inspired to take concrete steps toward improving their emotional well-being.
Rajula Mnaiyeri’s expert guidance, combined with the supportive environment fostered by the HOPE Foundation, created a memorable and healing experience for all those who attended. The session provided a reminder that, even in the most challenging circumstances, happiness and wellness are not only possible but essential for both the individual and the family.
About the HOPE Foundation:
The HOPE Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families affected by childhood cancer. Through emotional counselling, financial assistance, and various community initiatives, the foundation aims to help families navigate the challenges of a cancer diagnosis and recovery. With a focus on holistic well-being, HOPE provides a compassionate and supportive environment for parents, caregivers, and children throughout their journey.
An interview with “LIFELINE - HELP IN NEED “ Youtube Channel
In a recent interview with Lifeline – Help in Need YouTube channel, Consultant Psychologist Rajula Maniyeri shared her expert insights on the vital topic of mental health, discussing its importance, challenges, and practical strategies for improving emotional well-being. The interview provided viewers with a deep dive into various aspects of mental health, offering valuable knowledge and actionable advice for individuals and communities seeking to better understand and manage their mental wellness.
Rajula began by discussing the broad scope of mental health, emphasizing that it encompasses much more than just the absence of mental illness. She explained that mental health is about emotional resilience, the ability to cope with stress, and maintaining a healthy balance in life. She highlighted how mental well-being influences all aspects of life, from relationships and work to overall happiness and life satisfaction.
Rajula also addressed the common misconceptions surrounding mental health, stressing that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. She encouraged viewers to view mental health with the same importance as physical health and to break the stigma that often surrounds discussions of emotional and psychological well-being.
A major part of the interview focused on the growing prevalence of stress and anxiety in today’s fast-paced world. Rajula discussed how modern life—marked by busy schedules, work pressures, and social media—can contribute to heightened stress and feelings of overwhelm. She spoke about the psychological and physiological effects of chronic stress, including its impact on sleep, relationships, and overall mental health.
She also provided practical advice for managing anxiety, including mindfulness techniques, breathing exercises, and cognitive reframing strategies. By helping individuals recognize the signs of stress early and offering simple tools to manage it, Rajula empowered viewers to take proactive steps toward improving their mental well-being.
The conversation also touched on mental health in the workplace, where Rajula addressed how job-related stress, long working hours, and burnout can negatively affect employees’ mental well-being. She discussed the importance of creating mentally healthy work environments and the role of employers in supporting their staff’s emotional and psychological needs.
She offered advice on how individuals can manage work-related stress, set healthy boundaries, and seek support when needed. Rajula also emphasized the importance of maintaining work-life balance and taking regular breaks to recharge mentally and physically.
In a segment focused on coping strategies for dealing with major life changes—such as the loss of a loved one, illness, or other significant trauma—Rajula shared insights on grief, loss, and the emotional challenges that follow such events. She discussed healthy ways to process grief, seek professional help if necessary, and honor one’s emotions without judgment.
She also addressed how to support loved ones who may be going through difficult times, offering guidance on providing emotional care and being present for others while maintaining one’s own mental health.
The interview was interactive, with the Lifeline – Help in Need channel’s audience contributing questions and thoughts on mental health topics. Rajula answered questions ranging from managing stress in everyday life to strategies for overcoming negative thought patterns. She encouraged viewers to seek help from mental health professionals if they felt overwhelmed and to reach out to support networks during difficult times.
Rajula concluded the interview by offering words of encouragement to those struggling with their mental health. She reminded viewers that they are not alone and that taking the first step towards seeking help is often the hardest but most important part of the healing journey. She urged everyone to be kind to themselves, practice self-compassion, and remember that mental health is an ongoing journey that requires care, patience, and persistence.
The interview was an enlightening and empowering experience, offering a wealth of knowledge on mental health and practical advice that viewers could immediately apply in their own lives. Rajula’s compassionate and professional approach provided a sense of hope and encouragement for anyone facing mental health challenges.
About Lifeline – Help in Need YouTube Channel:
Lifeline – Help in Need is a YouTube channel dedicated to spreading awareness about mental health, personal development, and emotional well-being. Through interviews with experts, informative discussions, and community-focused content, the channel aims to provide valuable resources and support for individuals looking to improve their mental health and navigate life’s challenges.
Rajula Maniyeri - A Visionary Woman in Social Work, Education, and Psychology:- “Recipient of POOVACHAL KHADAR AWARD 2023”
Rajula Maniyeri, the CEO of Hapinus Care, received the prestigious Poovachal Khadar Award for her exceptional contributions in the fields of social work, education, and psychology. The award, named after the renowned Poovachal Khadar, celebrates individuals who have made a significant impact on society through their exceptional dedication and innovative initiatives.
Rajula Maniyeri’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. As a social worker, through her organization, Hapinus Care, she has organised and conducted various welfare programs. Her notable social work includes, a community program in tribal village at kotoor, where a social awareness program was conducted to make aware of children of recent dangers and substance abuse prevailing in the society, distribution of study materials for the under privileged groups etc.
She has also worn the clothes of a teacher cum facilitator in her early days, has conducted various community classes, workshops for empowering the young minds at various levels.
Beyond her work in social welfare and education, Rajula’s contributions to the field of psychology have been commendable. As a psychologist, she has always been available as service provider for the curement of mental health issues and raise awareness about the importance of psychological well-being. Through workshops, seminars, and counselling services, she has touched the lives of many, providing much-needed support with empathy to individuals facing emotional and psychological challenges.
The Poovachal Khadar Award 2023 stands as a testament to Rajula Maniyeri’s exceptional achievements and dedication to creating a more equitable and compassionate society. Her transformative work has inspired countless individuals and serves as a hope for a better tomorrow.
