Social Works Mangalam Group continues its relentless war against evils in social life apart from literary campaigns. Dowry-less community Marriage Mangalam weekly heralded the powerful movement in Kerala against the evils of Dowry System. It took the initiative in organising dowry-free community marriages for economically and socially depressed women. The community marriage had a tremendous impact in the society as a social revolutionary idea. So far many such community marriages have been organised in various places in and out of Kerala. Helping hand for suffering Through its regular column of the Mangalam weekly titled "Victims of cruel fate", the group collected generous donations for victims of accidents, natural calamities and social neglect and distributed them among thousands of deserving people. No other publication in India has so far taken up such a novel scheme to help the downtrodden section of the society. Karunya Varsham The Group has observed the period from 1998 Sep. to 1999 Sept. as "Karunya Varsham". During this period the Group distributed lakhs of rupees collected as readers' contribution to the financially backward and depressed people of Kerala. These distributions were held at auspicious functions in the presence of important national leaders with the co-operation and blessings of the public. Eminent personalities including former Prime Ministers like Smt. Indira Gandhi, Sri. Rajiv Gandhi, Sri Narasimha Rao, the honourable President of India Sri. K.R. Narayanan, prominent ministers such as Sri. L.K. Adwani, Sri. K. Karunakaran, Sri. E.M.S. Namboothiripad, Sri. A.K. Antony and many other current and former Ministers of Central and State governments have hailed the services of Mangalam Group as unparalleled by any other organisation. They have praised the humanitarian activities and have made a call to other organisations to come forward and undertake similar activities for the benefit of the society. By such deeds, the Mangalam group has proved to the world that it still adheres to the powerful principles with which the group was started. The dedicated service of the Group is still continuing, thanks to the great support from its readers. Due to the great success of the "Karunya Varsham", Mangalam group has decided to continue observing it for another year. Mangalam Readers' Cancer Ward The Cancer Ward at Kottayam Medical College is a fine example of the participation and interest of the readers of Mangalam in humanitarian efforts. Mangalam collected more than Rs. 8 lakhs from readers by increasing the price of the weekly by paise 10 for four weeks. The ward stands as a monument for a novel venture launched by Mangalam. It is the first of its kind in Indian journalism, and perhaps in the world. Leadership to the youth The Mangalam 'Kala Sahithyavedi' promote arts, literature and social service activities among the youth of our society. It has 1500 units in India and abroad doing credible services. The Kala Sahityavedi organises free medical camps in rural areas, campaigns against evils of drugs and alcoholism and also conduct athletic meets. Mangalam also sponsored Women's Club, Teachers Forum, Children's Club International, Mangalam Orchestra and Film Club. Home for the Homeless When Mangalam crossed its circulation of 15 lakh copies it celebrated its success by constructing 15 houses and distributing it to the poor, homeless people, free of cost.