On the outskirts of Ernakulam town at Perumbavoor, is the Bethlehem Abhaya Bhavan. As the name suggests, Abhaya Bhavan is a home for the homeless and a refuge for the mentally ill. Started by Mary Esthappan, a housewife, Abhaya Bhavan now has over 400 inmates. Mary, fondly called Mariyamma, is traversing a path not followed by many.
Mary has been committed to helping the weak and old for the past 20 years. “ One day, while waiting at the bus stop after attending a week-long spiritual retreat, I came across a man in his eighties who approached me for food. He looked tired and untidy. I brought him home and gave him food. It was people like him who inspired me to begin Abhaya Bhavan,” says Mary. The initiative which began with just five members now provides solace for more than 400 people.“What is the point of attending prayers when you are blind to the sufferings of people around?” she asks.
The journey was not an easy one for Mary. But her relentless willpower helped her to overcome the stumbling blocks. It was on January 5, 1998 that Abhaya Bhavan became registered as a charitable society at Koovappady. The expenditure is met by donations received from well-wishers.
“People are afraid of the mentally ill. It is this fear that leads to their isolation from society. However, my experience taught me that love and care can change people. They can be brought back to a normal life,” says Mary. The inmates are taught yoga, dance and tailoring. Occasionally, they are taken for short trips.
Though she had to sacrifice her personal life for the cause, she is the reason for the happiness of a thousand others. Mary has a word of advise for youngsters. “Visit Abhaya Bhavan at least once, to learn about the experiences and life of its inmates,” she says. Mary’s dream is to expand Abhaya Bhavan and to involve more people under her care.