INSTITUTIONS

'To see a person recover completely is what is gratifying'

For Shanthi Ranganathan, awards are secondary. What makes her happy is the success in helping restore normalcy in the lives of those who come to her for help. To those undergoing treatment at the T.T.K. Hospital, she is "amma" or mother. "Amma gav e us our lives back," they say. Shanthi Ranganathan spoke to Vinita Viswanathan on awards, addicts and more.

Excerpts from the interview:

First of all, congratulations on receiving the award. You must be an extremely happy person.

Of course. I am delighted to be one of the first recipients (of the award). I knew I was one of the 100 or so nominees (Shanthi Ranganathan was nominated by the Indian government), but when I received the official letter from the U.N. office in Vienna, i t came as a pleasant surprise.

What motivated you to set up the T.T.K. Hospital?

When my husband was taken to the U.S. for treatment, I came to know that alcoholism was actually a disease and that it could be treated. His death affected us deeply. But instead of living in the past, I wanted to bring the knowledge available in the U.S . to India and implement it here. Initially, there was a lot of scepticism. Many said: 'Poor woman. She lost her husband at a young age, so she is trying to do something grand that will not work.' But we did not give up. We started small, but today we ca n look back in pride at our work.

How do families react to alcoholism and are these reactions different in India and abroad?

Families anywhere in the world are affected if any of their member is an alcoholic. They go through the same feelings and traumas of anger, shame and resentment. In India, I notice a change in the social attitude towards alcoholics. Earlier it was a tabo o to be a drinker. Therefore, it was that much harder to identify victims of alcoholism as it was hushed up within the families. Whereas abroad, even in schools, children are educated on the ill-effects of alcohol and drugs and on various other issues. W hile this may not necessarily bring down the number of victims, at least they knew that help was available and whom they could contact and how to go about with the recovery process. There is a change for the better in India now as more people are open ab out their drinking. The priority has shifted: from not letting the neighbours know to getting affected family member cured.

What do you feel about the phenomenon of 'social drinking'?

The average age of initiation to alcohol has gone down. Earlier, young people would have their first drink at college. Nowadays, they are initiated into drinking at parties held to celebrate the conclusion of board exams. Children say it is just for one night and that they will not get addicted. But addiction is a process that does not start with a warning. My personal opinion is, why have that drink? Can one not have fun and enjoy oneself without alcohol?

Has the T.T.K. Hospital done anything to prevent youngsters from indulging in drinking, particularly drinking binges?

N.BALAJI

We have come out with two books that schools use. We hope they will be included as part of the curriculum. The books are designed and written in such a way as to appeal to youngsters. We have adopted a campaign similar to the 'Say No to Drugs', in the U. S. Ours is 'Alcohol - Not My Taste', where we tell children that there is no need to give in to peer pressure.

How different are the expectations of working with patients at the centre and working with those in villages?

I think the success rate at the village camps is definitely higher than at the centre. For one thing, since we go through a host organisation, it is easy for us to win the trust of the people in villages in a short time. Once we have their trust, half th e problem is solved. They give their complete attention and dedication to us and follow everything we say. Secondly, in case of a relapse, the whole village rallies behind the victim and supports him. This is because the village is a small community.

What has been the role of the government in your endeavour?

The Central Government provides us with funds for bringing out our publications and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment gives us grants for community projects. The government involves non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in many of its progra mmes.

The centre is soon to complete two decades. What is it that keeps you going?

When a rehabilitated patient comes to me and says 'I have been sober for so many years', or 'I am happy now', it gives me the strength and the will to keep going. Awards and recognitions are good, but ultimately what is most gratifying is to see a patie nt recover completely and lead a normal, healthy life.

Do you have more plans for the centre?

Our immediate plan is to teach patients two vocations, tailoring and repairing household appliances. These skills would be a source of employment for them once they leave the centre.