By Thomas Scaria
Bengaluru, Jan 24, 2026: The Karnataka Network for People Living with HIV/AIDS has conferred the Jeevotsava (Festival of Life) Award to the Claretian-run Support Care Centre for its two decades of dedicated services to the treatment and rehabilitation of destitute persons.
Claretian Father Tomy Urumbumkuzhiyil, director of Support, a Bengaluru based HIV/AIDS Care home received the award on January 21 from Gangu Bai Mankar, secretary of the Karnataka Department of Health and Family Welfare.
The state HIV Conclave, representing more than 50,000 youth living with HIV, policy makers, NGOs, and Church representatives, instituted the award to recognize institutions that excel as care homes for people living with HIV/AIDS.
“We have been working in the rehabilitation and care of people living with HIV/AIDS, both at institutional as well s community care for two decades, and we are “happy to receive this award,” Father Urumbumkuzhiyil, who is also a retreat preacher and spiritual guide.
Located in Sumanahalli, Bengaluru, the Karnataka state capital, the Claretian center has helped marginalized people living with HIV/AIDS. It was set up in 2004 by Father George Kannanthanam and inaugurated by the then Karnataka Governor T N Chaturvedi.
The center, which can accommodate 30 residents, now provides comprehensive care to 24 men and women. Until now, the center has cared for more than 3,000 people.
It offers both residential and community-based care of people and families living with HIV. It provides food, medicine, recreation, skill training, and job opportunities. The center has also provided marriage support and rehabilitation services, vocational training, community clinics and self-help programs.
The center manages also a community clinic and follow-up services for about 50 rehabilitated families at Giddenahalli, Thaverekere at the outskirts of the city.
Annually, the center conducts awareness programs for more than 5,000 people from diverse backgrounds by networking with various NGOs.