Shri D. Jacob
Chairman & Founder, Manovikas
At the heart of Manovikas lies a deeply personal story—one of compassion, determination, and commitment to a more inclusive society. Shri D. Jacob, the visionary founder and chairman of Manovikas, was inspired by his own family’s experiences—his younger brother and niece, both born with intellectual disabilities. What began as a personal journey of care and responsibility evolved into a mission that would touch hundreds of lives across Kerala.
In 1993, Mr. Jacob and his family undertook a grassroots survey in Sasthamcotta village. Their findings revealed a pressing, often neglected, need: 13 children under the age of 15 with intellectual disabilities were living in isolation, without access to specialized support or education. Guided by the National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped (NIMH), Secunderabad, they took the first steps towards establishing a centre focused on training and rehabilitation.
Manovikas was born in 1994—modest in size but immense in vision. In just one month, 35 children were enrolled, as word spread and more families sought hope and help. Recognizing the growing demand, Manovikas was formally registered in 1996 as a charitable organization by and for parents and siblings of the intellectually disabled.
To address rural disability challenges, Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) programs were launched in 1998–1999. Unlike charity-based models, CBR focuses on sustainable, community-led support systems. It empowers families, utilizes local resources, and integrates children with disabilities into the fabric of their communities. The success of this approach has made Manovikas’ CBR program one of the most effective in Kerala today.
Our Growth & Commitment
Today, Manovikas operates five centres, providing free services to over 200 children through a team of 28 trained professionals. Admission is open to children aged 3 to 18, who are grouped into six learning levels:
- Care Group
- Pre-Primary
- Primary
- Secondary
- Pre-Vocational
- Vocational
Each class is carefully structured with only 6 to 8 children and managed by qualified teachers (Diploma in Mental Retardation) along with dedicated assistant teachers. Individualized attention ensures that each child receives personalized support suited to their needs and potential.
To support holistic well-being, nutritious noon meals are served daily. Many kind-hearted well-wishers sponsor meals on birthdays and special occasions, spreading joy through meaningful acts of giving.
Vision Rooted in Humanity
Mr. Jacob’s message is clear: disability is not inability. With compassion, structure, and support, every individual has the potential to lead a life of dignity, contribution, and happiness. Manovikas is a living testament to what communities can achieve when they come together for a noble cause.
Manovikas is proudly registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) with Registration No: 052930213, allowing the institution to receive contributions from supporters worldwide.
“The strength of a society is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable. At Manovikas, we are not just building futures—we are nurturing lives.”
— Shri D. Jacob