SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
21GNP301- COMMUNITY CONNECT
REPORT OF WORK CARRIED OUT AT
MARVEL DE - ADDICTION AND REHABILTATION CENTRE
By
Thirucoumarane (RA2311009010007)
OBJECTIVES OF THE COMMUNITY CONNECT:
The Community Connect initiative aimed to provide real-time exposure to social health challenges,
particularly addiction and mental health rehabilitation. I selected Marvel De-Addiction and
Rehabilitation Center in Villianur, Puducherry, because it offers a structured and holistic approach
to addiction recovery. The center engages individuals struggling with substance dependency and
helps them reintegrate into society with dignity and stability. I participated for 4 hours each day,
contributing to daily routines, observing therapeutic practices, and interacting with patients and
staff. The objective was not only to assist but also to learn how community-level care models
support vulnerable populations and apply psychological and behavioral science in practice.
Sr.no Table of Content Page No.
1 Introduction of the Organization
2 Week-wise Report
3 Tangible Learning
4 Student’s Contribution
5 Conclusion
INTRODUCTION OF THE ORGANIZATION:
Marvel De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Center is a registered institution located in Villianur,
Puducherry, dedicated to the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals suffering from substance
abuse and addiction-related disorders. It provides a safe, medically supervised, and compassionate
environment for patients who are undergoing detoxification and recovery.
The center offers a wide range of services such as: - Medical detoxification - Individual and group
therapy - Cognitive behavioral therapy - Yoga, meditation, and occupational therapy - post-
rehabilitation counselling and reintegration programs
It functions under the guidance of licensed medical professionals, clinical psychologists, and
trained caregivers. Patients typically stay in a controlled environment for weeks to months
depending on their recovery stage, receiving continuous medical and emotional support.
The decision to choose Marvel was influenced by my academic interests in neuroscience, mental
health, and neurodegeneration. I wanted firsthand exposure to how psychological therapies and
behavioral interventions are applied to real-world cases of addiction. The center’s emphasis on
holistic and patient-centered care made it an ideal platform for learning the human and community
impact of neuro-rehabilitation.
WEEK-WISE REPORT:
Week 1 (Total Hours: 24 – 4 hrs/day × 6 days)
Activities Rendered: - Participated in the organization of group therapy sessions - Helped
coordinate recreational activities like indoor games and art-based expression - Supported patients
during scheduled yoga and meditation sessions - Observed routine checkups and counselling
sessions under staff supervision
Outcomes:
• Developed communication skills for interacting with vulnerable individuals
• Gained insight into behavioral therapy methods
• Understood the significance of routine, motivation, and community in the recovery
process
Week 2 (Total Hours: 24 – 4 hrs/day × 6 days)
Activities Rendered:
• Engaged patients in structured group activities like storytelling and games
• Assisted in meal-time supervision and hygiene routines
• Sat in on one-on-one counselling sessions and observed confidentiality practices
• Maintained activity logs and schedules
Outcomes:
• Learned about the importance of empathy and non-judgmental listening
• Observed how different patients responded to varied intervention methods
• Realized the emotional toll of addiction on individuals and families
Week 3 (Total Hours: 24 – 4 hrs/day × 6 days)
Activities Rendered:
• Participated in daily progress meetings with staff
• Helped patients with indoor creative activities like painting and music
• Helped prepare motivational material for patient rooms
• Supported basic documentation work for patient monitoring
Outcomes:
• Learned team-based rehabilitation strategies
• Gained better understanding of creative therapies in improving patient mood
• Witnessed slow but visible signs of behavioral improvement
Week 4 (Total Hours: 24 – 4 hrs/day × 6 days)
Activities Rendered:
• Assisted in farewell preparations for a discharged patient
• Helped maintain the library and therapeutic resources area
• Had informal conversations with patients to improve social comfort
• Attended a session on relapse prevention strategies
Outcomes:
• Saw the long-term effects of therapy in a successfully rehabilitated patient
• Realized the importance of structured support even after discharge
• Felt a stronger sense of community involvement and social empathy
Note: Due to institutional policy, photography was strictly restricted inside the premises. Only
entrance and public area photos were permitted.
TANGIBLE LEARNING:
The experience provided meaningful insight into the emotional and neurological struggles of
individuals with addiction. One of the biggest takeaways was the role of consistent emotional
support, which acts as a neurobehavioral anchor in recovery. Observing patient progress over the
week showed how even minor improvements in mental outlook and self-discipline made a
difference.
I also witnessed the psychological impact of isolation and dependency. Many patients had lost
connections with their families and communities and were attempting to rebuild self-identity.
Through mindfulness-based practices like yoga and daily affirmations, the center gradually
helped patients improve self-regulation — a critical skill for neurological recovery.
For the end users — the patients — the tangible benefit was structure. They had daily schedules,
clear routines, empathetic listeners, and activities that helped them reframe their self-worth.
Many expressed gratitude for the compassionate environment, which significantly boosted their
mental health and motivation.
STUDENT’S CONTRIBUTION:
As a student volunteer, I supported a variety of activities: - Assisted therapists in creating
relaxation spaces for group sessions - Helped set up daily schedules and reminded patients of
their activity times - Designed simple art therapy worksheets like mandala coloring and
affirmation cards - Supported the staff in organizing materials for recreational therapy - Listened
to patients who simply needed to talk, which often created small but meaningful emotional
breakthroughs
My prior interest in neuroscience helped me observe behavioral changes with a critical lens.
Even without performing diagnostics or clinical tasks, my presence contributed to the emotional
well-being of patients by being part of a stable and structured support system.
As photo documentation was restricted inside, images showing internal patient interaction were
not permitted. However, entry gate photos or generic staff interaction (with permission)
CONCLUSION:
My Community Connect experience at Marvel De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Center in
Villianur, Puducherry, was transformative both academically and personally. It allowed me to
see the power of community-level healthcare in action, especially for mental health and addiction
recovery. The resilience of the patients, combined with the dedication of the staff, demonstrated
how compassionate, structured environments can rewire habits and support neurological and
emotional healing. This opportunity strengthened my drive to pursue further study and research
in mental health, neuroscience, and therapeutic interventions at the intersection of biology and
community care.
