Sree Chitra Home stands as a beacon of hope in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. It is not just a shelter; it is a community where people with and without stories come together. Founded in 1943 by His Highness Sri Chitra Thirunal with just 9 inmates, the Home has grown to become a place of warmth, safety, and dignity for many, including orphans, the homeless, poor children, and elderly people without family support.
The Home provides not just accommodation but also education, healthcare, emotional support, and rehabilitation for its residents. This care and support reflect the commitment of the State Government and the Managing Committee to serve the vulnerable sections of society with compassion and responsibility.
Mission and Vision of Sree Chitra Home
- Mission: To provide shelter, care, and support to orphans, destitute women, and the elderly.
- Vision: To create a compassionate and supportive environment where each individual lives with dignity.
History and Growth
- Founded Year: 1943
- Founder: His Highness Sri Chitra Thirunal
- Initial Inmates: 9
- Current Inmates: Several hundred (exact number may vary)
- Focus Group: Girls, the elderly, orphans, and destitute individuals
Support and Services Provided
- Education: Inmates are enrolled in schools and colleges.
- Healthcare: Weekly visits by medical officers from nearby Health Centres.
- Food and Shelter: Nutritious food and a clean living environment are provided.
- Marriage Support: Authorities arrange suitable matches for girls.
- Rehabilitation: Employment and skill training are offered to help residents become independent.
Government Assistance
- Special Privileges: Assistance in education, job placements, and medical care.
- Welfare Schemes: Benefit from the State Government’s social welfare initiatives.
- Legal Guardianship: The Government acts as a guardian for many inmates, especially minors.
Managing Committee Structure
The Managing Committee of Sree Chitra Home ensures all operations run smoothly. This committee comprises a mix of government officials and non-official members who collaborate to make key decisions.
Managing Committee Members
| Non-official Members | Official Members |
|---|---|
| Smt. Bindu. V | City Police Commissioner |
| Shri. V. Sivankutty, MLA | Executive Engineer, PWD (Buildings) |
| Shri. V. Surendran Pillai, MLA | Secretary, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation |
| Smt. Pushpalatha | Additional Secretary, Social Welfare Dept. |
| Smt. Lalitha Sadasivan | Additional Secretary, Finance Dept. |
| Sri. Kottarakkara Ponnachan | Staff Secretary |
| Representative of Sri. M. Vijayakumar, Minister for Law, Sports & Youth Affairs | |
| Chairman: Shri N. Ayyappan, IAS, District Collector |
Administrative Framework
The home operates under the supervision of a Board of Management, which includes a President and 10 members. Of these, the government nominates 5, and the General Governing Body elects 5.
Board Tenure Details
- Term Duration: 3 years
- Continued Service: Members stay until a new board is formed
Administrative Setup and Key Staff
Superintendent
- Name: Smt. Aleyamma Varghese (District Social Welfare Officer)
- Duties: Overall management and supervision
Head Warder
- Name: Shri G. Raveendran
- Duties: Acts as Deputy Superintendent and assigns duties to warders
Warders’ Schedule
- Shifts: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Female Warders
- Smt. P.M. Sreedevi
- Smt. A. Aisha
- Smt. S. Shaheela
- Smt. M. Sulochana
Male Warders
- Shri M.K. Asokan
- Shri R. Chandrasekharan
Office Staff
| Designation | Name |
|---|---|
| Clerk Typist | Smt. V. Sudhakumari |
| Clerk | Smt. Prasanthi |
Other Units and Staff
| Unit | Person In Charge |
|---|---|
| Printing Unit | Smt. S. Presannakumari |
| Tailoring Unit | Smt. M. Vijayalekshmy |
| Medical Services | Dr. Remani (Weekly visits) |
Facilities Provided
| Facility | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | Children are enrolled in nearby schools and colleges |
| Health Care | Weekly medical checkups and emergency medical support |
| Marriage Assistance | Home arranges suitable partners for eligible girls |
| Employment Training | Tailoring and printing skills offered |
| Nutrition | Balanced and healthy meals provided daily |
| Emotional Support | Staff offer personal care and attention to inmates |
Major Sponsors and Supporters
Support for Sree Chitra Home comes from individuals across India and abroad. Contributions from well-wishers help maintain the facilities and services provided to inmates.
Key Sponsor
- Name: Shri Jagathy Sreekumar (Renowned cine artist)
- Type of Support: Financial assistance and advocacy
Unique Aspects of Sree Chitra Home
- Blend of Ages: Children and the elderly live together under one roof.
- Government Recognition: Receives special support in education and jobs.
- Emotional Bonding: Residents share life stories, creating a family-like atmosphere.
- Legacy: Started with just 9 people and now shelters hundreds, showing sustained growth over decades.
Future Goals
- Digitize records and processes for better efficiency
- Expand vocational training for self-sufficiency
- Build new infrastructure to accommodate more inmates
- Develop partnerships with NGOs and healthcare institutions
- Promote adoption and foster care for children
