*6 August 2011* [image: Solemn occasion: Volunteers of the M.S. Chellamuthu Foundation lighting candles in remembrance of the victims of the Erwadi tragedy in Madurai on Saturday. — Photo: G. Moorthy] *Solemn occasion: Volunteers of the M.S. Chellamuthu Foundation lighting candles in remembrance of the victims of the Erwadi tragedy in Madurai on Saturday. — Photo: G. Moorthy*
*MADURAI *: The tenth year anniversary of the Erwadi Fire tragedy where 28 mentally-ill persons tied to chains were charred to death was observed here in the city on Saturday. The tragedy shook the conscience of the nation and caught the attention of the human rights activists all over the world and also resulted in structural changes in mental healthcare in India. On August 6, 2001, 28 chained inmates of the Mental Home died unable to escape the fire that engulfed the thatched shed that housed them in Erwadi. The M.S. Chellamuthu Foundation which works among the mentally challenged in Madurai used to observe the anniversary every year within their premises. It is a decade now since the tragedy had occurred so we planned to observe it in a manner to take it to the public said the organizers. M.S. Chellamuthu Foundation volunteers, mentally challenged children, their parents and general public lit candles in remembrance of the dead. A pledge was also administered to treat the mentally-ill on par with others and provide them access to their basic rights. One of the inmates who escaped the fire accident, Ethiraj was introduced and he remembered how he escaped and was later taken to the Government Hospital in Ramanathapuram. One of the speakers said that the Erwadi tragedy, which caught the attention of even the international media, has forced the State Government to act. Certain sections of the Mental Health Act, 1987, were implemented only after this tragedy occurred. Emphasizing community-based rehabilitation, and active participation and help of NGOs and philanthropists, one of the speakers said that medical help, vocational training, and rehabilitation with family and community support are essential for the complete treatment and cure of the mentally ill. http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/article2332478.ece -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Mental Health Advocacy (News 'N Views) India" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/MhaNewsViewsIndia?hl=en ------------- Affiliated Groups : MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY INDIA [email protected] Discussions on mental health law / policy / plan monitoring / human rights etc [email protected] India-specific news and views related to mental health [email protected] Information and support to carers of people with mental health issues [email protected] Mutual support and sharing of experiential knowledge, skills and social learning amongst peers
