Malankara Social Service Society Marks International Day of Persons with Disabilities with Meaningful Initiatives

The Malankara Social Service Society (MSSS), the social service arm of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Major Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram, observed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Saturday with a series of impactful events aimed at promoting inclusivity and raising awareness about the challenges faced by persons with disabilities.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from children and families under the SPARSH project, a flagship initiative of MSSS for individuals with deaf blindness, supported by Sense International India and the Azim Premji Foundation. The programme was inaugurated by V.K. Prasanth, MLA, who highlighted the responsibility of local self-governments to allocate 5% of their funds for the welfare of the differently abled.

Auxiliary Bishop His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Mathews Mor Polycarpos presided over the function, delivering an inspiring address that underscored the Church’s commitment to fostering a just and inclusive society. Rev. Fr. Thomas Kayyalakkal, Vicar General, and Fr. Varghese Kizhakkekara, Director of MSSS, also spoke, adding depth to the occasion with their words of encouragement.

Highlights of the Event

• Wheelchair Distribution: Five children with physical disabilities received wheelchairs, reflecting the MSSS’s commitment to empowering those in need with essential resources.
• Awareness Pledge: Participants collectively pledged to create a more inclusive society for individuals with disabilities.
• Poster Competition: Winners of a poster competition held on November 29 were honoured, spreading awareness about the importance of inclusivity.
• Deaf-blind Experience Zone: A unique experiential activity allowed participants to understand the daily challenges faced by visually and aurally challenged children by using blindfolds and noise-cancelling headphones.

The SPARSH Project: Transforming Lives

The SPARSH project, launched in 2017, has grown to support 133 beneficiaries across Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, and Kanyakumari districts. With 15 dedicated staff members and two resource centres equipped with sensory rooms, classrooms, and physiotherapy units, SPARSH provides essential services such as individualised education plans (IEP), vocational training, and assistive devices to enhance the lives of children and adults with deafblindness.

MSSS has also fostered parent network groups, including “Velicham” in Thiruvananthapuram and “Thalir” in Kanyakumari, to empower parents to advocate for their children’s rights and function as a unified collective.

MSSS: A Beacon of Social Service

Founded in 1961, MSSS has established itself as a pioneer in promoting socio-economic development for marginalised communities across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Recognised by the United Nations with Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC since 2016, the MSSS has consistently demonstrated its commitment to serving the poor and disadvantaged, regardless of religion, caste, or creed. Its services span 215 villages, reaching over 8 million people, and encompass areas such as sustainable farming, healthcare, and education.

Vision and Mission

Guided by Gospel values, MSSS envisions a just society rooted in equity and social harmony. Its mission revolves around strengthening community-based organisations to enhance the creative potentials of individuals and groups, thereby fostering sustainable development.