About
Established in 2013 in Atchankulam, Kanyakumari district, MANOLAYA was born out of a deep commitment to serve some of society’s most vulnerable – those destitute mentally ill persons abandoned by families, marginalized by communities, and left without access to care.
Our mission is simple yet profound: to restore life, health, and self-worth to people who have been forgotten. We provide holistic rehabilitation services that include shelter, nutritious food, medical and psychiatric care, counseling, vocational training, and opportunities for community reintegration.
From our humble beginnings with a single facility, we have grown into a trusted rehabilitation center recognized for its compassionate, patient-centered approach with well established centers at Kanyakumari and at Rameswaram. Every resident at MANOLAYA is treated with respect and love, and each recovery story is a testament to the power of care and perseverance.

At Manolaya, we believe that mental illness does not define a person’s worth, and no one should have to suffer alone.
Together, we are building a world where every life matters.
With over 50 years of grassroots service, he has dedicated his life to uplifting the most marginalized. Through CHARDEP, he has empowered more than 40,000 families through self-help groups, women’s livelihoods, and public health programs.
One of his most notable achievements is MANOLAYA, a pioneering centre for rescuing, rehabilitating, and reintegrating destitute persons living with mental illness. He has rescued 1,055 individuals, reunited 512 with families across India, and provided vocational training to help many rebuild their lives.
From leading tsunami relief in 2004 to championing mental health care where few dare to work, his legacy is one of compassion, innovation, and fearless service.
