In a momentous event that took place on Monday, September 25, 2023, at Kesavadev Hall in Trivandrum, the P. Kesavadev Trust unveiled the third phase of its Type 1 diabetes education and awareness program, known as Project DREAMS (Diabetes Resources Education & Awareness Advocacy Mentorship and Support). This transformative initiative is dedicated to raising public awareness, providing crucial support to individuals living with Type 1 diabetes, and educating parents and teachers about this critical health condition.

The launch ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Malayalam actor and director Padma Bhushan Shri Mohanlal, who inaugurated the event by presenting 'Dreams Smart Kits' to three young warriors battling Type 1 diabetes. These kits contain essential items such as glucometers, test strips, lancets, educational resources, mugs, bags, logbooks, and fast-acting glucose for emergency situations.

Project DREAMS represents a holistic approach to Type 1 diabetes care and management, aiming to empower individuals with this condition to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. It does so by offering comprehensive support, structured education, advocacy efforts, and collaboration with governmental authorities. Through peer support, awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and access to resource materials from national and international authorities, this project strives to bridge critical gaps in the management of Type 1 diabetes.

Key components of Project DREAMS include:

• Dreams Diabetes Academy: An online platform offering comprehensive diabetes education through webinars, courses, and workshops led by healthcare professionals.
• The Dream Squad: A 24/7 support system providing immediate assistance through a helpline number and WhatsApp group, with plans to include trained educators and local support centers.
• Dreams Type 1 Registry: A collaborative effort with hospitals and local government to develop and maintain a comprehensive registry of Type 1 diabetes cases in Kerala, with the aim of improving data accuracy and patient care.
• Sweet Buddy Program: Peer mentoring by experienced individuals with Type 1 diabetes, fostering community and providing guidance to those newly diagnosed.
• Dreams School-Parent-Teacher Events: Focused on Type 1 diabetes management and support strategies, these events promote collaboration among schools, parents, and teachers.
• The Dreams Type 1 Registry was inaugurated by the honorable Education Minister of Kerala, Shri V Sivankutty, who emphasized the government's commitment to providing a better educational environment for students with Type 1 diabetes. He also acknowledged the importance of scientific education and the significant role played by the DREAMS project.

Dreams Diabetes Academy was inaugurated by the honorable Minister of Higher Education, Smt. R. Bindu, who expressed the government's dedication to supporting as many Type 1 diabetes children as possible through ongoing government initiatives.

The event was attended by over 100 children and their families, as well as representatives from the Type 1 Diabetic Welfare Society and Type 1 Diabetes Foundation, who emphasized the importance of such initiatives. Notable speakers at the event included Ms. Priyanka Rai, Director of Policy, Global Access, JDRF International, and Country Director, India, Dr. Banshi Saboo, Regional Chair-Elect, IDF, and Dr. Shashank R Joshi, Past Chair of IDF Southeast Asia. Dr. Jothydev Kesavadev, Managing Trustee of P. Kesavadev Trust, warmly welcomed the gathering, and Sunitha Jothydev offered her vote of thanks. Dr. Arun Shankar and Gopika Krishnan also delivered insightful speeches, making this launch a truly inspiring and informative event.