Organizational Structure
Founder:
Saraswathi Devi Tallapragada (SARAH)Lebenshilfe Association is managed by a registered committee. It was headed by Late Mr. Kancharla Ramachandra Rao and later by Mr. G.S.K. Arya as presidents for over a decade since its inception.
Present Committee:
1. President: Sri CH.Ramakotaiah2. Vice President: Sri D.Prasanna Kumar
3. Vice President: Sri P. Rama Krishna Rao
4. Secretary General: Smt T. Saraswathi Devi
5. Treasurer: Sri K.Jagannadha Rao
6. Member: Sri M.Krishna Mohan
7. Member: Sri K.Rama Krishna Rao
8. Member: Sri G.Ananda Rao
9. Member: Sri G.Srinivasa Murthy
Special School and Vocational units Organization (Service Providers)
1. Project Co-ordinator
2. Principal
3. Two Supervisors
4. Three Special Educators
5. 33 trained teachers
6. 5 therapists
7. 24 Ayahs ,helpers, watchman etc.
8. eight vocational instructors
9. one warden
10. one house parent
11. one sports instructor
12. one drawing instructor
13. one workshop assistant
14. one peon
15. one accountant
16. one cook
17. one asst.cook
18. one nurse
Rehabilitation team
1. One Medical doctor
2. one physiotherapist
3. one speech therapist
4. one social worker
5. one psychologist
6. principal
7. one special educationist
8. one parent
"Who says what?" about Founder
From News Paper Clippings
The Times of India : Women of Substance. Domain: Social Service
Magazine :Special issue focusing Women April 2004
Working for Humanity:
Lebenshilfe for the Mentally Handicapped, - 1980, in the service of 12 mentally challenged children, Lebenshilfe for the Mentally Handicapped' - 2004, in the service of 454 mentally challenged. The woman behind this - Saraswathi Devi Tallapragada. She is a woman who has spent her life for the under privileged that generally affect the poor children. After her Masters in Political Science with two diplomas in theatre arts from Andhra University, Saraswathi Devi obtained special education and did intensive study in-service training in the field of mental retardation from USA and Germany. Her academic life was followed by the founding of 'Lebenshilfe for the Mentally Handicapped' where the children are given round the clock care by 120 most committed and dedicated staff. She developed tiger dance, an old form of art of Andhra Pradesh into a therapy to control aggressiveness in the challenged children. "Hug Them Tight", a 4 year research project with university hospitals of Geneva. "Snoezelen", a Dutch therapy some of the other initiatives by her to provide mental as well as physical comfort to severely mentally challenged with various behavior disorders. Saraswathi's second love is art and her commitment towards it led her to form Movement for Audience Awareness (MAA). MAA produced a play "Soodimandu" that was 6 revenue districts of Andhra Pradesh. It raised awareness among masses about the six deadly diseases that generally affect poor children. Saraswathi Devi is an outstanding speaker too, her oratory power can be seen from the facts that she has presented papers in 20 international conventions every time on invitation and she has been invited to Montpellier, France to submit two papers during the 12th IASSID World Congress in June, 2004. As globe trotter she has traveled extensively and addressed many associations like the Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs to name two. There is a lot that Saraswathi Devi has in her. She is the woman who has harnessed her abundance of talent to provide relief to those who have not been fortunate and lead a debilitated existence. In this world where one's pain others gain, she is a difference.
Deccan Chronicle: a largely circulated national news paper
SHE TOOK UP THE CHALLENGE
Crusader T. Saraswathi Devi works for the mentally challenged children. Looking after mentally handicapped children is the most challenging jobs one can think of. And T. Saraswathi Devi is doing an admirable job of it. She doesn't require any introduction in the city as her selfless service to the mentally handicapped children is well renowned. After undergoing special training in the U S she started the Lebenshilfe society. Looking after 442 mentally handicapped children she sees that every child is encouraged to compete in different areas. Her aim is to bring these children into the mainstream of life. Her tiger dance therapy, pre-vocational training and many other techniques which she has evolved and uses have made these special children stand tall . She works towards making the children confident and self-assured and no different from other children.
Rotarian Counselor's report (1976) to Educational Awards of the Rotary Foundation, Rotary International, 1600 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, Illinois, 60201 USA
Awardee's Name: Tallapragada Saraswathi Devi
Awardee's effectiveness in fulfilling the purpose of the award: 'Out standing'
Mrs T. Saraswathi Devi is in possession of all the characteristics that make for an excellent Rotary Foundation Fellow for both the academic and Rotary's point of view. She has an excellent personality. She is an outstanding speaker. She has the proper attitude towards the Rotary Foundation program. She was an instant success at all the affairs that she attended both within and without Rotary. She was a good ambassador for Rotary and India and she served to fulfill the fourth objective of Rotary in a most excellent manner.
Rotarian Per Klykken Jr. Rotarian Counselor: Rotary International (RI) District 798 USA
Deccan Chronicle 27 August 1985: by Hipsy Chase: to quote a few sentences from her article.
Commitment - Prescription for Social Service
The quality of ministry women have brought, are bringing and will continue to bring the less privileged, in the society, is among the glories of history. We need no examples to mention, for every generation has produced woman who sought no fame, but whose daily existence, is itself a testimony of warmth, congeniality and service. We have T. Saraswathi devi this week. There is something breathless about her. In a way, she has got an excited kid in her. Her energy amazes you.
THE TIMES OF INDIA: Hyderabad Friday, April 4, 2003 'STREE SHAKTI'
She developed new therapies to help mentally challenged
By N. Ramachandra Rao : Times News Network
Visakhapatnam: Tallapragada Saraswathi Devi is a veritable goddess for many mentally-challenged persons in Andhra Pradesh and its neighboring states. 59 - year old Saraswathi takes care of the 442 mentally-retarded persons at Lebenshilfe, a unit of the German-based service organization she started about two decades ago. Lebenshilfe, which means 'life help' in German, offers more than a dozen therapies to treat mentally retarded children, among which saraswathi's Tiger Dance therapy has gained popularity worldwide. Saraswathi seems to have somehow been drawn to the life of the physically and mentally retarded people. She started her career as a teacher in the K.D.P. Municipal High School in Visakhapatnam in the early 1970s. Later, she was selected for a district-level scholarship offered by Rotary International to work as a teacher for the handicapped in Rani Chandramani Devi Hospital. Subsequently, she became one of the 50 women selected for a course in Special Education concerning the handicapped in the US in 1973-74. A few handicapped persons maintaining a canteen in the US inspired me to do something for the physically challenged in my country. I supported a few physically challenged men in RCD Hospital after I returned from the US and they were all happy with their employment," Saraswathi said. Her life took a major turn at the third Asian Conference on Mental Retardation, held in Bangalore in 1977. Saraswathi had set up a tiny stall in the exhibition showcasing her innovative ideas for treating the mentally-challenged. A Dutch man., Tom Mutters, Lebenshilfe's founder in Germany, and his counterparts in England and other countries noticed it and awarded the first prize to her stall. All the 14 member countries were astonished by the decision. "The seven teaching aids I developed for the mentally-handicapped were widely appreciated" she said. She visited Germany on Tom Mutters's, invitation where she underwent training in 1978-79. Saraswathi started Lebenhilfe's India branch in Visakhapatnam with 12 children in 1980, which then funded her for five years. Impressed by her service, the group then extended aid for another two years.
Who Is She?
T.Saraswathi Devi (Sarah)
M.A. DIA; DID: Elc., spl. Ed, USA
Special Educationist & Social Scientist
R.F.Awardee, 1975-76 (Rotary Foundation of Rotary International)
Intensive in-service Trainee Lebenshilfe, Germany 1978-79
(In the field of Mental Retardation)
Founder, Secretary General & Executive Director, LEBENSHILFE, Visakhapatnam, A.P., India
Former Chairperson, Juvenile Welfare Board, VSP
Former Regional Chair, Lions Clubs International Dist 324C1
Past Dist Governor, Y's Men International Dist.East II 97-98
Awards Received
1. Plaque of Honor: Lebenshilfe Germany for out-standing services in the field of Mental Retardation 1981.2. Out Standing Young Person Award, Jaycees International, 1981.
3. Visakha Mother: Natanalaya (regd.) Visakhapatnam 1982.
4. Master M.N.Award: From The world Teacher Trust as a great humanitarian 1992.
5. Bharath Excellence Award: FFI, New Delhi as an outstanding social worker (nation wide) 1999.
6. Distinguished Leadership Award, American Biographical Institution (ABI), USA
7. Janma Bhoomi Award, Govt. Of A.P. 1995.
8. World life time achievement award ABI USA for outstanding services to humanity 1996.
9. International Book of Honor ABI USA for outstanding Achievements 1997.
10. Mahila Navaratna Award, Siti Cable, Visakhapatnam 2000.
11. Ugadi Puraskaram, Visakha Cultural Academy 2001.
12. Sai Sirisha Foundation's Seva Puraskaram 2002.
13. Life time Achievement Award: Sai Sirisha Foundation Visakhapatnam 2002.
14. Honor and special Award from Dr. T. Subbarami Reddy Seva Peetham, Kalapeetham.
15. Visakha Ratna Award (Ugadi Puraskar: Visakha Ratna Kala Parishad) 2003.
16. Ugadi Puraskar: Natya ravali Music and Dance Academy 2004.
17. Samaikya Bharath Gourav Satkar: Madras Telugu Academy 2005.
18. Woman of the Year: Welfare Group of Companies Vsp 2005.
19. Samaikya Bharath Swarna Puraskar: Madras Telugu Academy, MTA, Chennai 2006.
20. Gaurdian of Goodwill Award, Chaitanya Art Theatres, Hyderabad 2006.
21. Dharmapuri Spiritual Award of International Center for Indian Culture, Hyderabad, 2006.
22. Sankranthi Kala Puraskar, Swathi Vasanthi Cultural Academy, Visakhapatnam, 2007.
Initiatives drawing International attention.
1. Tiger dance therapy: Converted Tiger Dance, a traditional folk art into a therapy converting the irregular movements of mentally retarded into useful gestures giving a head to toe experience. Papers presented in various International Conferences drawing the global attention, generating a sense of interest among the delegates and commanding a research status to this therapy.2. Snoezelen: Dutch therapy, Sensory World Creation for the first time in India at Lebenshilfe for severely mentally handicapped to stimulate the 5 Sensory receptors for proper sensory in-puts.
3. Initiated 'HUG THEM TIGHT' a 4-year research collaboration project between University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland (HUG) and LEBENSHILFE, Visakhapatnam with the help of Dr. GIULIANA GALLI CARMINATI, Psychiatrist, Head, Dept. of UPDM, Geneva, Switzerland.
4. Organized A 2-Day Symposium 'Sensory problems and Sensitizing Families' with Dr. RYO TAKAHASHI of TAKASAKI University, Japan as its leader.
5. Organized a workshop on Sexual management, focusing the biological needs of the mentally handicapped, pleading for the rights of the retarded in this area and appealing the parents, families, and public to understand the problem under humanitarian aspect, 1997.
6. Organized an International Roundtable and a work-shop on Sexo-Pedagogie with Francoise Vatre, Sexo-Pedagogist, Switzerland as workshop leader and Dr Giuliana Galli Carminati, Psychiatrist as Chairperson, inviting 12 overseas experts from seven countries, February 2006
7. Attended and presented papers in 24 International Congresses and the recent such congresses are, International European Congress held at Maastricht, Holland (31 J-uly-5August, 2006) and AIRSHM, held at Lausanne, Switzerland. (20-23 August 2006)
SPECIAL APPRECIATION RECEIVED FROM
1. Honorable A.P.J. ABDUL KALAM, President of India 20062. Mr. J. N Bhatt, Consulate General (New York, USA) 1975
3. Rotary International USA & Rtn. Jr. PERKLYKKIN USA,1976
4. Mr. Chester Bowls, USA (2 times Ambassador to India) 1976
Special Recognition
1. National POLIOPLUS Committee, New Delhi:1992-93 & 93-94 (Received twice) for producing and presenting a street play on Rotary International's Polio plus Program in 6 revenue districts as a Rotarian, with a team of 25 members of Lebenshilfe including 10 trained Mentally Handicapped to sensitize people of Rural, tribal and urban slums educating them against 6 child crippling or child-killing diseases, preventive measures against Polio, Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Measles and Pertussis with the help of Lions, Rotary, Y'sMen and, DRDA, ICDS of Govt. of A.P.2. A place and a page in LUMINARIES OF VISAKHAPATNAM, 1990.
3. Industrial Exhibition Society, Visakhapatnam 1986: Outstanding Social Worker, 1986.
Special honours:
'Mother Theresa' of Northern Districts of Andhra Pradesh.
1. Lifetime Deputy Governor, American Biographical Research Association (ABIRA), 1997.
2. A special interview at London, U.K. and publication of a 4-paged article in a Norwegian magazine in Norwegian Language, 1994.
3. Special Interview by prominent Journalist Merja Ojansivu at Helsinki, Finland and article in Finnish language, circulated to 7 Nordic countries, 1966.
4. Interviewed specially by Brigitte Longerich, a veteran journalist, Switzerland and a 4-paged article was published in French language. This magazine is sent all over the world where French speaking people live.
Special Interests:
Learning and Sharing from and with global experts, making new contacts for initiating partnerships, research projects, cultural exchange, internships for global students and service providers working in the field of mental retardation to further improve the work started 27 years ago at Lebenshilfe, Visakhapatnam, and Andhra Pradesh, India.
Founder: Life Profile
SARASWATHI DEVI TALLAPRAGADA (Sarah)
M.A., DIA., DID., E.L.C., Spl. Ed., (USA)
Special Educationist & Social Scientist
Address: 26, Lawsons Bay, Visakhapatnam 530 017, A.P., INDIA
Email: tsarahdevi@yahoo.com, website: http://www.lebenshilfeindia.org
Tel: (M) 98481-98518 & 939-3100 546, +91 (0) 891 2553285 (R) 2552018
Academic Achievements:
1. Masters degree in political science (Andhra University 1970-72).2. Teachers Credentials 1st Division (St.Theresa's Convent, Eluru 1960-62)
3. Intensive Course in English (Washington: D.C.USA)
4. Special Education New Haven Connecticut USA 1975 – 76
5. Intensive in-service training in the filed of mental retardation, 1978–79, the then West Germany.
6. Education therapeutics: University of Liverpool, U.K., (A quiet place)
Other Qualifications:
1. Diploma in acting (Two years course Andhra University 1962-64)2. Diploma in Play Direction (Two years course Andhra University 1967-69)
Professional Experience:
45 years of service to physically and mentally handicapped till to date.Founder:
1. Lebenshilfe Association (Regd.) for the Mentally Handicapped (1980), Website: http://www.lebenshilfeindia.org2. Happy Heights: A service-oriented & melody-based Music Promotion Group (1980) working for Social acceptance & recognition leading to Social Integration of intellectually disabled.
3. NATYA SIKHARA (regd) A Dance Ballet Unit, 1982 & SWARA SIKHARA a Light & Classical Music unit 1985, for the all-round development of people with Intellectual Disabilities using dance and music.
4. MAA (Regd) (Movement for Audience Awareness) for propagation of Polio plus program dealing with health Issues.
Present Positions:
1. Founder, Secretary General & Chief Functionary (Project Coordinator), Lebenshilfe.2. President, Roller skating association of Andhra Pradesh. (R-SAAP)
3. Founder & President, Happy Heights. A Service-oriented and melody based music promotion group working for social acceptance & recognition leading to Social Integration of the mentally handicapped.
4. President, Nippon Care Fit Association, NCSA-India
5. President: Natanalaya (regd.), a theatre promotion Group working for social awareness
6. Vice President: District Olympic Association.
Membership in International organizations:
1. IASE (International association for the special education), USA.2. IASSID (International association for the scientific study of intellectual disabilities), USA.
3. CEC & DISES: USA (Council for exceptional children and division of information for special education services) sponsored membership.
Member:
1. Hospital Development Committee, Govt. Hospital for Mental Care, Visakhapatnam.2. Member: Divisional Rail Users Consultative Committee (DRUCC)) East Coast Railway, Waltair Division.
3. Child Welfare Committee Govt., Children Home for Boys, Viskhapatnam.
4. TASK FORCE: Dept. of Juvenile welfare & correctional services & Welfare of Street Children, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh.
5. Rotary Club Waltair, Rotary International Dist. 3020.
6. District Cultural Affairs Council, Visakhapatnam.
Life Member:
1. Walkers Club, Visakhapatnam.2. FWMR, New Delhi (Federation for the welfare of the mentally retarded)
3. APAWMR, Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh Association for the welfare of mentally handicapped.)
4. Indian Red cross Society , Visakhapatnam
5. YMCA, Visakhapatnam.
As a Globe-trotter:
Traveled extensively to over 25 countries several timesAs a Paper Presenter:
Presented Papers in several international conferences, International Congresses and Seminars in countries like Germany, Kenya, India, Austria, England, Finland, Australia, Turkey, The Netherlands, Poland, Japan, France, Canada Switzerland etc, sharing work experiences with intellectually disabled people.As an Orator:
Addressed several thousands of gatherings nationally and internationally.To quote some at International level:
1. Addressed 40 Rotary & Other Organizations at USA 1975-76.2. Addressed 16 Rotary Clubs in Germany 1978-79.
3. Addressed 8 Lions Clubs in Germany 1978-79
4. Addressed 15 Y's Men clubs in USA 1998
5. Addressed 6 Y's Men Clubs in Australia 1999.
6. Addressed 20 Lions Clubs in USA Year 2000.
7. Addressed R.I. Dist. (798) Convention 1976, Hyannis, Rhode Island, for 12 minutes enthralling the Rotarians: Rotary District Convention held at Hyannis, former president J.F. Kennedy's native place) Rhode Island in 1976 for 12 minutes as a beneficiary of Rotary Foundation Awardee .enthralling the Rotarian delegates, several thousands in number, attended all over the globe.
Areas of Service in Short:
- Service to the mentally handicapped- Service to Neglected Juveniles and Street Children
- Service to Cyclone, Fire and Earth Quake Victims
- Service to helpless Women and teenagers in distress
- Service to the Prisoners
- Service to the artistes of all kinds
Commitment to the Community:
Training the mentally handicapped as useful human beings for a meaningful and purposeful life with quality and dignity, translating them into useful contributors to the society. To provide their parents and families necessary moral support. To drive the trained mentally challenged towards economic independence which provides them a suitable face for living like any other citizen of the country.Hobbies:
Theatre promotion activities organization, sports activities and music and dance, programs organization for focusing the in hidden talents of the intellectually disabled people, Speech making, Yoga, meditation, walking etcLife Mission:
To serve the poor and most deserving people from all walks of life till the last breath.Married to A. Lakshmana Rao, an Educationist and has two daughters . Eldest daughter : Lakshmi Gummuluri lives with her husband Krishna Gummuluri, and her two daughters Mallika and Anjali at Mission Viejo, CA. USA Second daughter: Jaya Uruma lives in Dallas, Texas, USA with her husband Chakri Uruma and her son Rohit.
