Puttur MLA Ashok Rai Inaugurates Renovated Santvana Kendra, Stresses Mental Health Support for Women

Puttur, June 24, 2025 – Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai Inaugurated the renovated Santvana Kendra, a counseling center, in Puttur on Tuesday. He emphasized its role in helping women facing mental health issues. During the event, Rai mentioned the increasing number of people struggling with mental health. He emphasized that giving emotional support, especially to women, is the first step in addressing these problems.

"Counseling centers like Santvana Kendra are important for resolving marital conflicts and reducing mental stress, especially among middle-aged women. Often, empathy and support work better than medication for easing mental distress," MLA Ashok Kumar Rai said.

The event took place at the Puttur City Municipal Council. Key local figures attended, including Vice President Balachandra Kemminje. He praised the center for identifying the main causes of mental health issues and providing effective solutions. “This center empowers people and offers hope,” Kemminje said. He described it as a source of strength for the community. Puttur City Municipal Council President Leelavathi Annu Naik, who presided over the event, shared her hope that the center would remain an important resource for those in need. Municipal Commissioner Madhu S. Manohar welcomed the program, while counselor Nishapriya moderated the proceedings. Social workers Bindu Kumari, Swati, and Nitin Kumar were also present, highlighting the center’s focus on community involvement.

Before the Santvana Kendra inauguration, MLA Rai also opened a modern public toilet near the Puttur bus stand. It was built at a cost of ₹16 lakh. The facility aims to improve public amenities in the town and shows ongoing efforts to upgrade local infrastructure.

Women’s Awareness Initiative on the Horizon

Addressing the gathering, Janashikshana Trust Director Sheena Shetty praised MLA Rai’s commitment to women’s empowerment and community development in Puttur. “The focus on women’s mental health and environmental protection is creating a better future for the region,” Shetty said. She announced plans for a women’s awareness conference to be organized through the Santvana Kendra, aimed at boosting community engagement and empowerment.

Keywords: Puttur, Ashok Kumar Rai, Santvana Kendra, mental health, women empowerment, counseling center, Karnataka news, mental resilience, women’s mental health, stress relief, Puttur development, women awareness, marital counseling,