Meditation and healing service Holy Communion Service
Counselling Centre Santhi Clinic
Dental Clinic STACS
Ayurveda Centre Educational Aid etc...
Seminars, Conferences etc.. Garden of Prayer
Retirement Homes Camps Conferences etc..
Library Agriculture etc..
Activities
1. Meditation and healing service had been conducted on first Saturday s of every month since December 2005.
2. Holy Communion Service was conducted on every first Sunday on a regular basis and as and when it was required. Twenty-Five communion services were coducted during the reporting year.
3. Counselling Centre Commenced on 15th October 2001 has been running regularly from Monday to Froday (9a.m to 4a.m) There were 23 persons who sought assistance during this year, out of which 102 were new cases. Counselling services were extended to students of High School, Aluva, to students at Girideepthi Tribal Hostel, and to the girls of Perumbavoor Balika Mandiram. The couselling and life line supported by an organization called counseling and life line support (CALLS) headed by Mr. John Mathew, Bangalore.
4. Santhi Clinic: Nearly 700 deserving families in Edathala Panchayath are Getting free treatment and medicines and health care through Santhi Clinic. 2052 patients were given free consultation and treatment. Dr.George Thomas attended the clinic on Tuesday 9.30 a.m to 1 p.m. His acupuncture treatment was found very effective for illness like asthma . allerry , Pain etc . On Thursday Dr.Reji Rajan from Co-operative Medical College, Cochin Attended the Patients From 4. p.m to 5 p.m Dr, Mrs. Aley Alexander and Dr.Mrs Marrikutty visited the clinic on Saturdays from 9.30am to 1pm.
Doctor from M.O.S.C medical college Kolenchery attended the clinic on 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month from 3pm to 5pm. 18 families whose income is below poverty level were insured for free hospitalized medical treatment at MOSC Medical College. Medical students visited the houses in Ward No.6 and 7 of Edathala Panchayath and gave health education, diet class and assessed their nutritional status.
Santhi Clinic participated in pulse polio drive and immunization with co-operation of govt. health centre, Edathala.
Medical camp: Dr.Alex Thomas and Dr. Joseph Mathew from USA conducted a medical camp on June 13th at Santhigiri in which 52patients were examined and given medicines.
5. Dental clinic: has been functioning regularly since 15th August 2005 from Monday to Saturday 9am to 1pm. Dr. Anu Ranjith , a graduate from Ludhiana Medical college joined the clinic as part of her bond service to the Mar Thoma Church on 15th of August. Dr. Shiny Biju from Kollenchery Medical college continued to attend the patients on Fridays. 421 patients were given treatment during this year. The clinic has been catering to the dental care needs of the people in and around Santhigiri in the form of regular consultation; fillings; extractions and scaling. The X-ray machine and its processing units were made functional. Root canal treatments have also been started. Eleven complete dentures and two removable partial dentures were delivered at a very normal rate. Minor oral surgical procedures like incision and drainage of dental abscess and surgical extraction were performed. A dental camp was organized for the students of Govt. High School, Edathala on Feb. 1st 2006.Students with dental problems were identified and given appropriate treatment later.
6. Swashraya Thrift and Credit Scheme(STACS): The first phase of the scheme was closed and the principle amount with interest was disbursed to the 500 members in April 2005. The second phase started in April 2005 itself and 584members were enrolled in the scheme. A total amount of Rs. 6,70,803/- was collected from them. During this reporting year and deposited in the bank as term deposits. 37 members have taken loans for various purposes like education, marriage, housing, cattle farming, treatments etc., out of which 22 members repaid the loan during this year itself.
There are six collection agents working under this scheme. They visit the houses around santhigiri, establish rapport with them, discuss their needs and problems and collect the money from hem. The agents report to the counseling centre and clinic if the members have any social or health problems, the counselor and the staff nurse visit the particular house or the members are called to the clinic and proper advices and health assistance would be given. Under this Scheme a coin box telephone booth and a water purifier at the clinic were installed .
7. Ayurveda Centre : Santhigiri entered into an agreement with M/s Ecovedic Products Pvt. Ltd for providing Ayurveda treatments and medicines at the centre. 137 patients were given free treatment. Two Ayurveda Medical Camps were organized; one at Palarivattom Sharon Mar Thoma Church and the other at Govt. H.S.S. Edathala. 60 persons were given consultation and free medicines.
8. Educational Aid , Scholarship , Uniforms ,
Marriages aid and Medical aid
Scholarships were given to the toppers of Govt.H.S.S. Edathala from 5th to 12 Standards . 115 deserving students were given uniforms . 12 students were given education aid . Scholarships and uniforms were distributed by Mr. K. Muhammadali, M.L.A. in a function organized by the school authority . Two students who were supported by us passed with 77%and 83%marks. Marriage aid and medical aid were given to deserving persons .
9. Seminars, Conferences, Study Programmes
10. Garden of Prayer (Dhyanaramam):To promote walking meditation a Garden of prayer was Designed and constructed. It was inaugurated for the glory of god on August 27 by Dr.Zacharias Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan. We are grateful to Mr. Chris Zachariah and Miss. Libby Zachariah (Texas) for having sponsored this project as a birthday thanksgiving.
11. Retirement Homes : Taking care of thr elder people is one of our mission . Rt.Rev .Dr.Issac Mar Philoxinos Episcopa laid the foundation stone of the Retirement homes on Jan. 2nd 2006. Four homes are nearing completion.
12. Camps Conferences of Govt. Agencies, Companies, Churches, Organization, Ecumenical Bodies, Family get-togethers and Retreats . The facilities of Santhigiri were used by several organizations for their Camps and conferences.
13. Library : IT contains 3000 books, meant for the benefit of the people who come and stay at Santhigiri.
14. Agriculture, Fish Farming, Rabbit Farming etc. : Agricuture products like coconuts, plantain, yam, pineapples, tapioca, nut mug etc were grown on the farm
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
History of Santhigiri Ashram
The longing for a life of service to God and the society sprouted in Thirumeni’s mind in his early childhood. He got the encouragement and training for such a life from his parents. The decision to become a teacher and priest was consequent to that aspiration. It is a fact that a teacher’s life style and views can be perceived in Thrumeni’s life as a priest and bishop which need not be elaborated here.
Santhigiri was established at Aluva because of Thrumeni’s preferences for that place. Since 1956 he was a student at U.C. College Aluva and since 1961 he worked as a teacher at the settlement High School, Aluva and Ashram English High School, Perumbavoor, strengthening his attachment to that locality. The experience at Ashram school developed in him an awareness of Ashram life which eventually culminated in the inception of Santhigiri Ashram.
Thrumeni could travel widely in connection with WCC which enabled him to study the style of functioning of the global church. The Taize community in France influenced him very much in the formation of Santhigiri Ashram. He was very much inspired by this community in which everybody was addressed as ‘brother’ and all lived together as brothers.
A trust was registered in April 1992 in which along with Thirumeni, Shri Oommen Johnson (Niranam), Shri George Kovoor (Aluva) and Shri John Mathew (Ranny) became trustees. Ten acres of land at Edathala was purchased for the Trust at a cost of Rs.11 lakhs which came from the sale of Thirumeni’s paternal property and the contributions of his relatives and friends. The dedication ceremony was conducted on 29th August 1993 (Thirumeni’s birthday) in the presence of Rt. Rev. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius, who inaugurated the social service programme of the Ashram. The control of the Santhigiri Trust was taken over by the Episcopal Synod from February 1994. The Mar Thoma Metropolitan became the president of the Trust and the Trustees were to be nominated by the Synod. Thus the Trust was reconstituted with eleven members. In 1996 the Trust was brought under the general administration of the Mar Thoma Church through an amendment of the Trust deed.
The first buildings constructed for Santhigiri was named ‘Anugraha’. After the leaving of the ground, agricultural farms, gardens, lawns, a fishpond and a hillock called ‘Dhyanagiri’ were provided with proper roads. A guesthouse called ‘Ashram” with Ten bedrooms was built to accommodate those who come for meditation and prayer, according to the specification given by Thirumeni. The front door opens to the ‘community life’ and the back door opens to the place of ‘personal contemplation’. The conference hall called ‘Archana’ has 200 seats. A counseling centre, Allopathy Clinic, Dental Clinic, and the office constitute the ‘Ashraya’ complex. ‘Abhaya’ is the hostel for the youth and children who come for camps and conferences. ‘Adarsa’ is the residence for visitors from abroad and it was contributed by Dr. Thomas Abraham and family in New Jersey. ‘Akshaya’ is the messhall. ‘Anupama’ is the Director’s Quarters, where the former directors Rev. George Mathew and Rev. K.G. Joseph resided. The present occupant is Rev. K.P.Sabu. The staff Quarters is called ‘Abilash’. ‘Dhyananilayam’ is situated at the centre of the building complex. This beautiful structure reflects the originality of the Indian architecture and provides a congenial atmosphere for spiritual experiences and worship. Beneath it we can find the place of meditation. The replicas of all the significant spots in the life of Jesus Christ can be found there. In fact nobody can come out of this building without imbibing the presence of God. All other buildings face the Dhyananilayam. Thrumeni seems to have visualized in this architectural structure the concept of going out to work after lifting one’s face to God and submitting before Him. The names given to the buildings signify the purpose for which each of them has been created. ‘The Garden of Prayer’ reminds us of the unforgettable Gathsemene.
This institution has grown to the present stage passing through several crises and obstacles right from the beginning to the present. It is an indisputable fact that the strength to go ahead inspite of crises has been gained through the work for Santhigiri. It is to be remembered with gratitude that these experiences helped Thrumeni to realize the dream of Santhigiri, which remains the supreme example of the abundance of God’s grace, self-confidence, faith, untiring labour and co-operation of service minded people. Nobody will have an iota of doubt about the objectives to provide peace and tranquility to people drifting on the shores of unrest and suffering.
Santhigiri was established at Aluva because of Thrumeni’s preferences for that place. Since 1956 he was a student at U.C. College Aluva and since 1961 he worked as a teacher at the settlement High School, Aluva and Ashram English High School, Perumbavoor, strengthening his attachment to that locality. The experience at Ashram school developed in him an awareness of Ashram life which eventually culminated in the inception of Santhigiri Ashram.
Thrumeni could travel widely in connection with WCC which enabled him to study the style of functioning of the global church. The Taize community in France influenced him very much in the formation of Santhigiri Ashram. He was very much inspired by this community in which everybody was addressed as ‘brother’ and all lived together as brothers.
A trust was registered in April 1992 in which along with Thirumeni, Shri Oommen Johnson (Niranam), Shri George Kovoor (Aluva) and Shri John Mathew (Ranny) became trustees. Ten acres of land at Edathala was purchased for the Trust at a cost of Rs.11 lakhs which came from the sale of Thirumeni’s paternal property and the contributions of his relatives and friends. The dedication ceremony was conducted on 29th August 1993 (Thirumeni’s birthday) in the presence of Rt. Rev. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius, who inaugurated the social service programme of the Ashram. The control of the Santhigiri Trust was taken over by the Episcopal Synod from February 1994. The Mar Thoma Metropolitan became the president of the Trust and the Trustees were to be nominated by the Synod. Thus the Trust was reconstituted with eleven members. In 1996 the Trust was brought under the general administration of the Mar Thoma Church through an amendment of the Trust deed.
The first buildings constructed for Santhigiri was named ‘Anugraha’. After the leaving of the ground, agricultural farms, gardens, lawns, a fishpond and a hillock called ‘Dhyanagiri’ were provided with proper roads. A guesthouse called ‘Ashram” with Ten bedrooms was built to accommodate those who come for meditation and prayer, according to the specification given by Thirumeni. The front door opens to the ‘community life’ and the back door opens to the place of ‘personal contemplation’. The conference hall called ‘Archana’ has 200 seats. A counseling centre, Allopathy Clinic, Dental Clinic, and the office constitute the ‘Ashraya’ complex. ‘Abhaya’ is the hostel for the youth and children who come for camps and conferences. ‘Adarsa’ is the residence for visitors from abroad and it was contributed by Dr. Thomas Abraham and family in New Jersey. ‘Akshaya’ is the messhall. ‘Anupama’ is the Director’s Quarters, where the former directors Rev. George Mathew and Rev. K.G. Joseph resided. The present occupant is Rev. K.P.Sabu. The staff Quarters is called ‘Abilash’. ‘Dhyananilayam’ is situated at the centre of the building complex. This beautiful structure reflects the originality of the Indian architecture and provides a congenial atmosphere for spiritual experiences and worship. Beneath it we can find the place of meditation. The replicas of all the significant spots in the life of Jesus Christ can be found there. In fact nobody can come out of this building without imbibing the presence of God. All other buildings face the Dhyananilayam. Thrumeni seems to have visualized in this architectural structure the concept of going out to work after lifting one’s face to God and submitting before Him. The names given to the buildings signify the purpose for which each of them has been created. ‘The Garden of Prayer’ reminds us of the unforgettable Gathsemene.
This institution has grown to the present stage passing through several crises and obstacles right from the beginning to the present. It is an indisputable fact that the strength to go ahead inspite of crises has been gained through the work for Santhigiri. It is to be remembered with gratitude that these experiences helped Thrumeni to realize the dream of Santhigiri, which remains the supreme example of the abundance of God’s grace, self-confidence, faith, untiring labour and co-operation of service minded people. Nobody will have an iota of doubt about the objectives to provide peace and tranquility to people drifting on the shores of unrest and suffering.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Santhigiri Ashram is a beautiful resort of special sort hidden in a groove appealingly offset against green palms, panoramic landscape away from the hustle and bustle of noisy world, free from pollution. This place is having exclusive privacy, tranquility and feels at home experience designed to provide a serene surrounding to master the restless mind and spiritual quest through yoga and meditation in pursuit of happiness and inner peace. People irrespective of cast, creed, colour, religion and faith can retreat in this megalithic heartland, which inspire any one who visits Santhigiri. People can spend time together or in solitude perfectly in harmony with nature. A community of people stands for peace in harmony with God and nature is true vision of Santhigiri where the lonely and the helpless are given support and guidance.
A long cherished dream of His Lordship Zacharias Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan has been realized in Santhigiri Ashram, situated at Edathala Village, 8 kms from Aluva providing an atmosphere of peace and tranquility amdist natural beauty and pristine serenity. It is a unique institution of the Mar Thoma Church, as it is a harmonious blend of ancient Indian culture and architecture with the beauty of nature in order to unite man to God and the society. It has been designed to fulfill the above objectives by ushering in anybody, irrespective of caste and community for meditation and prayer.
Santhigiri is the result of the search for self appraisal, prayer and contemplation in the context of excessive emphasis on social commitment. Contemplation is the process of understanding one’s own self in relation to God concentrating the mind and the body meditating on God. One of the aims of Santhigiri is supporting such contemplative spirituality.
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