Category: Disabled
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Satya Special School: the NGO for disabled children and young people
THE founder of an NGO for disabled children witnessed a heart-wrenching incident in 2003 that would change her life forever. While working as a psychologist, she discovered that a young girl with Down’s Syndrome had repeatedly missed her appointments. What she uncovered was a shocking case of neglect and abuse – the girl was locked…
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Satya Special School: polishing hidden potential in children with disabilities
IN 2003, a heart-wrenching incident left Chitra Shah who was then volunteering at a hospital, shell shocked. It was the sight of a 13-year-old differently-abled girl, shackled and confined to a chair, in a dimly lit room while her mother, a daily wage labourer, toiled to support the family. This tragedy, however, was not an…
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Mitti Cafe: an NGO in Bangalore making a difference!
MITTI Cafe is an NGO in Bangalore that is more than just a chain of cafes; it is a source of hope, inclusion and empowerment for adults with physical and intellectual disabilities in India. Founded by the determined Ayesha Alam, this remarkable NGO in Bangalore has not only revolutionized the way we perceive disability but…
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Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled: empowering lives through inclusion and opportunities
IN a world where diversity is celebrated, Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled believes that it is essential that every individual, regardless of their abilities, enjoys equal opportunities and access to a fulfilling life. Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, an NGO founded in 1997, has been tirelessly working towards this vision. Headed by Shri. G K…
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Amar Seva Sangam: empowering lives and fostering inclusion in rural disability management
AMAR Seva Sangam is a source of support for persons with disabilities in rural areas. Founded in June 1981 by the indomitable Padma Shri S. Ramakrishnan, this organization has transcended barriers, redefined possibilities, and sowed the seeds of equality and empowerment across all ages and disabilities. Amar Seva Sangam’s foundational philosophy revolves around the creation…
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Narayan Seva Sansthan: empowering lives through compassion and care
IN a world where disparities and inequalities continue to persist, the emergence of Narayan Seva Sansthan provides hope to the marginalized and vulnerable. The NGO has been making a remarkable impact since its establishment in 1985. With a commitment to serve individuals from economically and physically disadvantaged backgrounds, Narayan Seva Sansthan has transformed countless lives…
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An NGO for girls who are visually impaired: Hyderabad Karnataka Disabled Welfare Society
IN the heart of a region often considered a so-called ‘backward area’, where the lack of basic amenities, illiteracy and hunger prevail, an NGO for girls called Hyderabad Karnataka Disabled Welfare Society emerges as a guiding light, particularly for the disabled community that faces debilitating challenges. This NGO for girls who are blind was founded…
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Mitti Café: A tale of empowerment, inclusion and resilience
IN a world where businesses often prioritise profits over purpose, there are shining examples that stand as beacons of hope, reminding us of the transformative power of compassion, empowerment, and inclusion. One such heartwarming story is that of Mitti Café and its founder, Alina Alam. Back in 2017, Alina took the initiative to establish Mitti…
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Top 5 NGOs in Chennai fighting to eradicate poverty
POVERTY in Chennai remains a multifaceted and pressing issue that requires sustained attention and comprehensive solutions. Despite being a thriving metropolitan city and a hub of economic activity, Chennai continues to grapple with significant pockets of poverty that are often overlooked amid its urban landscape. The urban poor in Chennai face challenges stemming from inadequate…
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Society for Child Development
I thought I was being welcomed by flowers when I walked into SFCD as there were flowers placed at every nook and corner of the campus making it look colorful and full of life. There were also dogs approaching me as I walked towards the entrance. I was a bit scared as I was an…
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How it began at SAMUHA
by Rohini Vemuganti SAMUHA which means an organized group or society was founded by Mr. Pradeep in the year 1987. Pradeep who was a journalist by profession was an employee at ActionAid which is an anti-poverty agency working in Indian rural areas since 1972. SAMUHA then began as an ActionAid project in the year 1987.…
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Disability and development go hand in hand for VISHWAS
VISHWAS is a popular address in Gurgaon and is known to all. On reaching the school, the first thing that strikes you is a collage of photographs showing the evolution of campus from when it was handed over to the NGO to its current stage. In keeping with their motto of ‘inclusive education’, VISHWAS has…
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This Delhi organisation supports the needs of the physically and mentally-challenged
The first impression of Khushboo reinforces all that the organisation stands for; you are welcomed by a cheerful beneficiary of the institution. When I visited, a smiling Rekha Sachdeva welcomed me and offered me a cup of tea and snacks. Rekha belongs to an underprivileged family and suffered from mental impairment and poor oral and…
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Taking care of Madurai’s disabled
It was a ten-minute drive from my accommodation to Arapalayam where JK MAASS has its centre – a small, one-level building with a big hall and one room in a corner. The hall was separated into three sections by cardboard sheets. One section is for children with IQs below 50. The second section is for…
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How it began at JK MAASS
On obtaining a degree in Physiotherapy, Mr. Sudhakaran, the founder of JK MAASS started working at a multi-specialty hospital. Most of his patients were mentally and physically disabled children. He served them relentlessly for ten years. It was during his tenure at the hospital that he understood fully the disparity between the rich and the…
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Founder Mukul has won a Padmashree for his work at Ashadeep
by Rohini Vemuganti Bamunigaon is located around 60 kms from Guwahati. I entered this complex and was greeted by the Centre In-charge (Head nurse) on campus who later took me around the centre. This was Navchetna, a rehabilitation home for homeless women suffering from mental illnesses. Navchetna, which translates to “A new hope”, is a…
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How it began at Ashadeep
Mukul Goswami, the founder of Ashadeep was a banker at State Bank of India. He was born and brought up in Shillong, and moved to Guwahati, Assam in 1987. “It was somewhere around 1982 when my second younger sister suffered from Schizophrenia. Initially, we thought it might be a temporary change of behaviour and would pass.…
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This small organisation helps some of the weakest in society
When I visited Abhoy Mission, I was received by Dr. Shyamlal Deb himself. He was a very warm person, and was liked by all. He drove me to their old age home and school for the special needs which is located about 14 kms away from the city. A picturesque location with jackfruit trees and…
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This NGO treats slum dwellers in Indore for just Rs. 5
On a Monday morning, I paid a visit to Pahal Jan Sahyog Vikas Sansthan’s medical center in Khajrana, located just a few minutes away from the Khajrana temple, where the initial seeds of the organisation were sown. A small, non-descript entrance lead to 4 hospital-like rooms. These serve as Pahal’s OPD/IPD. In one room vaccinations…
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How it began at Pahal Jan Sahyog Vikas Sansthan
“Never doubt that a group of ordinary people can bring about change. Infact, that’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead’s famous words are more than apt for the MP-based PJSVS. Born out of the goodwill of 9 friends, who wanted to give back to society, their good acts have become a full-fledged formal…
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Once considered a school for mad children, this NGO is now the best school in its area for children with disabilities
“Vidhyalay mein photography aur videography karna sakht mana hai.” “Vidhyalay mein phone silent mode mein rakhe.” It is these two signs that greet you as you enter RMKM’s campus. The organization works for children and adults with physical/mental disabilities and this is just one of the ways they go out of their way to care…
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How it began at Rajasthan Mahila Kalyan Mandal Sanstha (RMKM)
It was a natural disaster that lead to the setting up of Rajasthan Mahila Kalyan Mandal Sanstha (RMKM). Back in 1975, a flash flood hit Ajmer.The city was submerged and as recourse, the district administrator had provided relief to the affected in a secondary school – the Topdara Senior Secondary High School; as it was…
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How it began at Disha Foundation
Disha Foundation was established in March 1995 by Mrs. P.N. Kavoori, who was a teacher at and then principal of a mainstream school for 40 years. During these four decades, she witnessed children with disabilities and the obstacles they faced. She says, “I had been principal of Sawai Mansigh Mahavidyalay , Rajasthan. I used to…
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Quality care for the disabled
As I walked into building where Disha Foundation is located, I was greeted with a traditional welcome ceremony by a young boy, who seemed just delighted to meet me ! I later learnt that he has Cerebral palsy. Post the warm welcome, I was taken into the central building. Resembling an arena, the building is…
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A man is never as tall as when he kneels to help a child
I was overwhelmed with kindness on my visit to Adarsh Charitable Trust. As I walked into their three storey building, I was touched by the motivational quotes marked on the walls. Adarsh Charitable Trust does not try to hide disability and what children cannot do but rather focuses on the ability of the child and…