Foundation for Autism Centre laid

Bishop of Udupi Diocese Most Rev Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo laid the foundation stone for the Manasa Autism Centre at Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre, Pamboor, in the presence of present and past office bearers and members of the Catholic Sabha of Mangalore and Udupi Pradesh, Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre Trustees, staff and students as well as the supporters and well-wishers of the institution.

On the occasion, Elroy Kiran Crasta, the treasurer of Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre, briefly narrated the background of the foundation of the Centre at Pamboor and its progress during the last 20 years.

Following the prayer service, Bishop Gerald Lobo blessed the stones and laid the first stone into the specially dug pit, himself.

In his address, Bishop Gerald Lobo stressed upon the need to identify and educate children with autism and said that this institution would be the first of its kind in India to be established and run by lay people. He hoped that the dream of the Catholic Sabha of having a special institute for the benefit of children with autism would be realized by the active and generous support of various institutions and individuals.

Since the inception of Manasa, 594 students with special abilities have been trained and rehabilitated by the institution. Presently, there are 52 students with autism. Hence, it was decided by the Catholic Sabha to set up a separate building with facilities, to train and educate children with autism.