Not Less Than You – Living and Learning with Mentally Retarded Friends (2002)
Author: Thomas Felix & K. Govindankutty
Founder Director
This engaging short book delves into the personal experiences of Fr. Thomas Felix, a visionary Carmelite priest devoted to serving the marginalized, especially those labeled as ‘mentally retarded.’ As president of the All Kerala Association for the Mentally Challenged and Director of the Central Institute on Mental Retardation, he worked tirelessly for fifty years, pioneering education and rehabilitation for the differently-abled. The author, writing in the first person, describes this as a “short report” on his thirty years of work in the field. He includes personal experiences only when relevant to provide context and perspective. Born into a large family in central Kerala, Fr. Felix was shaped by his mother’s Catholic faith and his grandfather’s integrity. Encouraged by his parents, he embraced a religious vocation. Inspired by his mother’s compassion for a mentally challenged neighbor named Oommachen, he dedicated his life to helping the less fortunate. Joining the CMI monastery at Mannanam for seminary training, Fr. Felix’s passion for social work led him to lead the Social Action Forum in Changanacherry, prioritizing affordable housing for the underprivileged. Witnessing mentally challenged children in the parish, he founded CIMR to address their needs. He later served as president of the All Kerala Association for the Mentally Challenged, devoted to their care and welfare. Studying Management in Pittsburgh, Fr. Felix garnered support from influential figures and volunteers, including film stars, Church authorities, and political leaders. He introduced the “3 Cs” paradigm for educating and rehabilitating disabled children, promoting their integration into mainstream society. Through events like the Paralympics in Spain and the Republic Day pageant in Delhi, he showcased their abilities. Awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Manav Seva Award in 1994, Fr. Felix’s enduring legacy continues to inspire readers in the field.
All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten (1986).
Robert Fulghum
Robert Fulghum’s timeless classic, “All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten,” resonates deeply with readers, encapsulating profound life lessons in simple, relatable anecdotes. Drawing from his childhood experiences and observations, Fulghum expounds on principles such as sharing, kindness, and balance, reminiscent of the teachings imparted in kindergarten. Through a collection of essays written over several years, Fulghum articulates the essence of human existence, emphasizing values such as apologizing, cleanliness, and wonder. These universal truths, encapsulated in succinct rules, transcend age and circumstance, offering a blueprint for a more harmonious and fulfilling life. Fulghum’s wisdom extends beyond individual conduct to societal and governmental realms, advocating for a return to fundamental principles that underpin human interaction. His revision and expansion of the original text underscore the enduring relevance of his message, resonating with readers across generations. In essence, “All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten” serves as a timeless reminder of the simplicity and beauty inherent in life’s most basic truths, urging us to embrace them wholeheartedly in our journey towards personal and collective fulfillment.
Key Lessons:
Share everything; Play fair; Don’t hit people; Put things back where you found them; Clean up your own mess; Don’t take things that aren’t yours; Say you’re sorry when you hurt someone; Wash your hands before you eat; Flush (the toilet); Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you; Live a balanced life – learn, drink, draw, paint, sing, dance, play, and work every day; Take a nap every afternoon; When going out, watch for traffic, hold hands, and stick together; Wonder – like the seed in the Styrofoam cup, with roots going down, nobody knows why, but we’re all like that; Remember mortality – goldfish, hamsters, white mice, and the seed all die, as do we; The biggest word of all is “LOOK,” reminiscent of Dick-and-Jane books and the first word learned.
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