Dr. Pullara Bhanumati grew up with three brothers with mental disabilities, one of whom died in her arms as he wasn't given proper treatment due to his mental condition.

Her heart reached out to people with mental disabilities and she wanted to help them. She opened an institute for them in a government school 19 years ago. Today, after lots of efforts and sacrifice, she has a new building which houses around 50 mentally challenged people who are treated with utmost care and dignity.

Dr. Pullara is a professor of Zoology. She balances her profession and her service at her institute-  Association for Mentally Handicapped Adults (AMHA) in Trishur, Kerala. Earlier, her salary was the only source of income, yet she didn't give up as she wanted to bring a difference in the lives of these less privileged people.

Initially, there were only a handful of adults at the institute, now AMHA attends to over 50 adults. The institute accommodates all members and also those who come on a daily basis from nearby places. From Downs Syndrome to Cerebral Palsy, the institute takes in all those in need of support and care. 

Dr.Pullara is fondly called 'Amma' as she shares a close bond with all members of AMHA. She not only takes good care of them like a mother, but also aims to make them independent. She has therefore, made provisions to give them vocational training. The members learn to make candles, incense sticks, soaps, ornaments, washing powder, paintings, handicrafts etc. The money earned from selling these products are distributed among them. 

Many members have been able to transform their lives after coming to the institute. Raghav (name changed) always remained aloof and hardly spoke to anyone when he came to Dr. Pullara ten years ago. After regular intervention and training, Raghav became a confident person and is now the care taker of the institute. 

Like Raghav, Joy used to roam on the streets begging until Dr. Pullara spotted him. She contacted Joy's family and convinced them to send Joy to their institute.

Pullara says that sometimes her work becomes very challenging when people doubt her intentions and think that she is doing this for fame, but having grown up with three mentally challenged brothers, she very well understands their needs and wants to bring a smile on their faces and help them lead a more dignified life. For her it is a wonderful feeling to run the institute and see the members transform themselves and lead happy lives. 

Dr. Pullara is not alone in her mission as her husband supports her wholeheartedly. So passionate was the couple for this cause that they decided not to have children of their own and takes care of all 50 members of AMHA as if they were their own children.

Dr. Pullara solely funded AMHA, but now she has started getting help from likeminded people. Sometimes, people sponsor meals of residents, donate items and offer monetary help. Although sometimes, she faces a financial crunch, she has kept the initiative going. May she be blessed with all the strength and support she needs to carry on this noble endeavour.