Santhi Gramam Project: A Beacon of Hope and Transformation in Attappadi
Nestled in the serene and picturesque landscape of Attappadi, Palakkad, Santhi Gramam (meaning “Village of Peace”) stands as a testament to the power of grassroots social welfare initiatives. Founded by renowned social activist Uma Preman, the project aims to uplift and empower the marginalized tribal communities of Kerala through a blend of healthcare, education, hygiene, and sustainable livelihood programs.The project also created employment opportunities by incentivizing organic farming and cottage industries manufacturing agricultural products.
One of the standout features of the Santhi Gramam Project is its healthcare system. The 20-bed physiotherapy center and rehabilitation unit offer specialized care for paraplegic and elderly patients. The project provides free medical services, transportation, and support, addressing critical healthcare gaps in this underserved region.
In line with promoting health awareness, Santhi Gramam introduced a sanitary napkin manufacturing unit to tackle menstrual hygiene issues. The project manufactures and distributes “Santhi Napkins” to tribal girls in schools, helping them stay healthy while also creating awareness about menstrual health. Additionally, pink toilets were installed in tribal schools, providing safe and hygienic facilities for girls during menstruation. This initiative, widely praised, was later adopted under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Santhi Gramam is much more than a project; it is a movement toward creating a more inclusive and equitable society. By focusing on sustainable development, healthcare, education, and livelihoods, it is setting an example for how grassroots initiatives can create lasting, meaningful change.
Learn more about the Santhi Gramam Project: https://santhimedicalinfo.org/
Citations:
1.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uma_Preman?utm_source
