Second Phase of DREAMS Project Launched
Trivandrum, February 9, 2025 � After the resounding success of its first phase, the DREAMS Project (Diabetes Resources, Education & Awareness, Advocacy, Mentorship, and Support) has entered its second phase, reinforcing its commitment to empowering individuals with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). This transformative initiative, launched by the P. Kesavadev Trust, aims to enhance public awareness, provide essential support for individuals with T1D, and educate parents and teachers about this lifelong condition.

The second phase was officially launched at P. Kesavadev Hall, Trivandrum, with Ms. Indu Thampy, film actress and living with T1D, inaugurating the event. She was joined by Mr. Shihab from the Kerala Type 1 Diabetes Foundation and Mr. Omanakuttan from the Kerala Type 1 Diabetic Society, reinforcing the community-driven effort to improve diabetes care, awareness, and advocacy. DREAMS Illuminator Series: Lighting the Way to Emotional Wellness The DREAMS Illuminator Series was launched as a pioneering series that addresses the mental health challenges surrounding children and parents treating a lifelong illness, type 1 diabetes. This It features expert psychologists, counselors, and mindfulness practitioners, offering practical stress management techniques, resilience-building strategies, and coping mechanisms for individuals living with diabetes. The series was inaugurated with a symbolic release of balloons carrying words like anxiety, depression, and distress, signifying the need to break free from emotional burdens and prioritize mental well-being. DREAMQUEST: DREAMS Scholarships and Education Grants Under the tagline "Because Every Dream Deserves a Chance," the DREAMQUEST program was introduced to empower exceptional students with T1D and ensure they have equal access to education and opportunities. The program provides merit-based scholarships, financial assistance, essential study materials, and support for students excelling in sports, arts, and other extra curricular activities. The launch of DREAMQUEST was formalized through the presentation of a citation of DREAMQUEST to Mr. Shihab and Mr. Omanakuttan, by Ms.Indu Thampy. The second phase launch event was centered around mental health, with interactive activities designed to encourage peer support, problem-solving, and emotional resilience. Discussions covered daily challenges faced by individuals with T1D, strategies for school and college planning, and the importance of incorporating exercise into their daily routine. The event concluded with a Gratitude Board, allowing participants to share reflections on their personal journeys and find strength in their community. A key highlight of the event was a call to action for affordable diabetes technology. Dr. Jothydev Kesavadev, research diabetologist from Kerala and Director of DREAMS Project, emphasized the urgent need to make Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop (AHCL) systems accessible to individuals with T1D. �The burden of T1D extends beyond mortality, impacting quality of life and reducing healthy life years by up to 45 years due to complications. AHCL systems can bridge this gap by providing optimal glucose control, improving health outcomes and life expectancy. However, the exorbitant cost in India�?6 lakh for the device and a monthly expenditure of ?30,000�makes it unaffordable for most. We need a �MAKE IN INDIA� initiative to develop cost-effective closed-loop systems, reducing the price to ?50,000, making them accessible through insurance and government support.� � Dr. Jothydev Kesavadev The DREAMS Project was first launched on September 25, 2023, as the third phase of the T1D education and awareness initiative of P.Kesavadev Trust. The inaugural event was graced by Padma Bhushan Shri Mohanlal, a renowned Malayalam actor and director, who distributed �Dreams Smart Kits� to three children with T1D. The DREAMS Type 1 Registry was inaugurated by Shri V. Sivankutty, the Education Minister of Kerala, while the DREAMS Diabetes Academy was launched by Smt. R. Bindu, Minister of Higher Education. The project envisions a future where individuals with T1D receive comprehensive care, continuous support, and access to essential resources, enabling them to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. With this second phase, the DREAMS Project takes another significant step forward in education, advocacy, and technological accessibility, reaffirming its mission to empower and uplift the T1D community across India.