June 8: The family of a 52-year-old schizophrenic, Ajanta Kachari, today donated its ancestral property on the banks of Solabeel, Rehabari, to Ashadeep, a city-based home for the mentally ill.

The donation will help the home expand its activities.

“This is our humble effort to help the noble endeavour of Ashadeep,” said Ajit Narayan Deb Kachari, brother of Ajanta, handing over the property documents to Ashadeep.

Ajanta has been suffering from schizophrenia for the past 40 years and has been living with her brother Ajit. She will now be under the care of Ashadeep.

“We have seen how mentally-ill people suffer from close quarters and can understand the pain and the constant tribulation of the family,” he said.

The donation includes a two-katha plot with provision for a three-storeyed building, which will be used by Ashadeep to run its Roshmi project.

Started two years back, Roshmi is a temporary home for the mentally ill.

“Never in our entire existence have we come across people who have donated us their ancestral property. It has indeed has come to us at the right time, “ said Mukul Chandra Goswami, secretary of Ashadeep.

“The Kachari family’s decision ought to be an eye-opener for the rest of society,” said Goswami.

Ashadeep was established in 1996 with the objective of providing rehabilitation to mentally ill people.

Its first endeavour was a daycare and rehabilitation centre for mentally retarded adults and children.

Next came Prashantiloy, a daycare centre for the elderly, in 2003. Last year, Ashadeep started Roshmi and Navachetna to provide rehabilitation for chronic patients.

“We will continue our efforts to contribute to the social sector and have several plans lined up as our future course of action,” said Goswami.