Anbagam Story

The world is filled with many kind souls but only a few are compassionate enough to walk that extra mile. Mr. Mohammed Rafi, the proprietor of a flourishing small business in Parry's (Chennai), chose to look beyond his own family life, saw a need in society and took a challenging path.

He set up a trust called TERDOD ( TRUST ). Under the trust, homes called "ANBAGAM", were set up - initially in THIRUNILAI Village in Thiruvallur District. This home for mentally ill men, was the brain child of his ceaseless and colossal efforts. Realizing a need to go beyond material help, such as food or small money, Mr. Rafi established Anbagam to not just rescue mentally ill men wasting on the roads but also to reinstate their broken souls.

Anbagam's Growth

YEAR 1999

The inception of Anbagam was just the initial step in the journey of a thousand miles. Started in 1999, the early days saw mentally ill destitutes housed in the residence of Mr. Mohammed Rafi, the founder. As the number of mentally ill destitutes increased, there was an acute need for more living space and amenities. In order to meet this crucial need, Anbagam developed into a full-fledged welfare organization with sponsors to support its growing needs.

YEAR 2002

In 2002, the Anbagam centre was constructed in Thirunilai Village near Red Hills (Chennai), providing care for the mentally ill destitutes. This became an ideal environment, far away from the hustle of the city and closer to nature's healing touch.

YEAR 2013

The Chennai Corporation seeing our work, wanted us to partner and start a home in the Center for Communicable Diseases Tondiarpet. Thus the 2nd branch of our home commenced there. The arrangement continues till date and all the processes and facilities needed are provided to the inmates of our home.

YEAR 2015

Considering the increasing numbers of abandoned mentally ill destitutes within the limits of Chennai, the trustees decided to have another branch within the city and accordingly a place in OTTERI CHENNAI was taken on rent which provides shelter to abandoned women only.

Current Status

As of 2024, we have around 400 inmates which include abandoned senior citizens.

A modern kitchen project is under construction in our Thirunilai - Vichur home funded by the AZIM PREMJI FOUNDATION.

Further, another project is underway to construct a home for 300 inmates in Devandhavakkam, Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu.

Thus, our efforts to reach and contribute is an ongoing process with the kind support of donors like you.

Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean

Words from mentally ill destitutes from our shelter

Now he is telling that he is in good health as he was before 1983 and also he is in praising services of our TERDOD and the arrangement made by the trust.

Mr. Prabhakaran

she became healthy and active, now she is working with us has a cook helper she also not willing to leave the trust she is telling that she will work with us up to death.

MS. Kamakshi

she was mentally ill and now she forget and feeling very well and also doing the tailoring work for the mentally ill destitutes for the trust, now she unwilling to leave the trust .

Varalakshmi

after some times he return to Chennai and wandering in the streets of Chennai by seeing this some people of the locality brought him to this trust and now he is recovering.

Mr. Natarajan

Getting Involved In 3 Steps

1 - Report

If you come across mentally ill person wandering on the roads or streets, please call helpline number 14416 or kavalkarangal 9444717100.

2 - Rescue

Please don't hesitate to call 94440-09988 or 044-2901-3306 for further guidance.

3 - Rehabilitate

Assist the police to translocate the patient to the nearest approved NGO as per their guidance.