Muktangan


A ray of hope for the disheartened

Muktangan, a humanistic institution headed by noted humanitarian Dr Anil Awachat, has been diligently working to rehabilitate the addicted. The centre, started in 1986 as a joint programme with the Central Institute of Mental Health and Research by Dr Awachat's wife, the late Dr Anita Awachat, a senior psychiatrist now functions independently as a full-fledged de-addiction centre.

The famous music director Rahul Ranade of superhit films like Vaastav and Astitva had sought the help of Muktangan to regain from the state of mental depression. During his stay here he has scored the playback to one of the plays performed by Muktangan in turn!

The place is looked after and cared for by people who have themselves recuperated from addiction. They have been helping the sufferers to see through new eyes and feel with fresh emotions. The programme, spread over a period of five weeks, involves many eclectic therapies that help the patients to abstain from drugs and overcome their weaknesses. Showing empathy, compassion and care for co-operative, obstinate or perverse patients, the wardens and the caretakers have been toiling diligently to make the patients' world a better place to live in. A schedule of practising meditation and yoga every morning helps them channel their lives. Many a time, the recuperated patients relapse into the habit and are re-admitted here. But there is room for them also. With the same unaffected dedication and perseverance, they are again looked after and cared for till they recoup. Muktangan has a patient who has relapsed a record number of 18 times.

Muktangan's very own Prasad Chandekar has taken on the charge of the ward. He was himself once a victim of narcotics. A very talented man in his thirties, he has played several parts in Marathi films like Doghi. He actively participates in all the streetplays performed by the institution in various towns and villages to bring awareness among youth. Commendable work indeed!

A visit to this centre is quite an eye-opener in that it brings the person very much down to earth! Doctor, journalist and writer Anil Awachat, fondly known as Baba, is a benevolent and humble person in his late fifties. He has been working conscientiously and relentlessly for the past 15 years for Muktangan. His daughters Mukta and Rashmi are dedicated to this noble deed.

Address: Muktangan De-addiction Centre, Mohanwadi, Alandi Road, Yerwada, Pune 411 000,
Phone: 669 7605.
For more information log on to www.muktangan.org