AAlappuzha: As part of a mental health and counseling initiative implemented by Seva Bharati, the first ODIC (Outreach and Drop-in Centre) in the district has begun operations in Budhanoor. 'Punarjani'—a mental health and counseling project rolled out by Seva Bharati across Kerala—establishes a new model for social service. Aimed at extending mental health services and counseling facilities to every corner of the state, the initiative includes the launch of 54 such centers across Kerala. The first ODIC center in Alappuzha district was inaugurated in Budhanoor by Dr. Satheesh Kumar Paruthippallil, Head of the Urology Department at Bharat Hospital. P. Haridasan Pillai, President of the Budhanoor Grama Seva Parishad, presided over the function. Seva Bharati District Secretary Gopan Gokulam explained the objectives and operational framework of the project during the event. Key attendees included Budhanoor Grama Panchayat President M. Pramod Kumar, Vibhag Karyakari member M.N. Sashidharan, Block Panchayat member Usha Kumari, Ward members Sreela Harikumar and Rajesh Gramam, as well as District Secretaries K.V. Rajesh, Satheesh Nambyareth, and Balagopal, and Vice President K. Suresh Kumar, District Media Coordinator Jayakrishnan, Suresh Bhattathiri, Budhanoor Seva Bharati President Sandhyadevi, and M.R. Rajesh Kumar offered their best wishes.
The operations of a counseling center also commenced today in Cherthala, Alappuzha district. 'Punarjani' centers will begin functioning in Cheppad, Chettikulangara, and Haripad in the coming days.