ABOUT THE AWARD

February 10, 2017 is going to be a milestone year for Sri Arunodayam. On this day, we will complete 15 years of diligent service to the cause of abandoned mentally challenged children.

From a simple home providing the most basic needs for such children, Sri Arunodayam is now a State Government recognized Reception Unit, well-known for the total commitment to its children’s wellbeing – providing rehabilitation through special education and therapies that are helping these children enjoy a good quality of life, sense of purpose, and self esteem.

Yes, we’ve come a long way. All that we’ve been through – both good and bad – have been threads woven into a tapestry of a lifetime. And what an inspiring one it is!

In our work with these children, we are constantly made aware of the divine role of the parents – especially mothers, in the healthy upbringing and development of their children.  Having faced these challenges ourselves, we often wondered what it would be like for mothers of mentally challenged children who chose not to take the easy way out by abandoning their children. To us, such mothers are unsung heroes! But they are often misunderstood, unnoticed, discriminated against, and judged.

Well, the time has come to recognize and honor these wonderful women – particularly those that have been deserted by their own families and left to fend for themselves and their children. Such mothers truly deserve our honor.

Our 15:15:15 Campaign

In an ode to them, we are launching the “Special Mom” Award in our 15th year of service, where 15 deserving mothers will be given a cash prize of INR 15,000 each, and honored in a very special way. More details on the actual celebration day planned for them and the support services that we freely offer them, will be updated soon. Watch this space for more!

Who qualifies

  • Mothers of MR/special children

Qualification criteria

  • The MR child must be at least 10 years’ old and above
  • The child must be in the direct care of the mother
  • Mothers with children in Day Care centers may apply, but entry is not open to those who have put their children in residential homes
  • Deserving mothers from rural areas can apply through a nominator who can fill in the nomination form on their behalf

How to apply

If you meet the qualification criteria, please download the nomination form in English or in Tamil.

The filled in form must be accompanied by a copy of the following documents and either emailed to sactawards2017@gmail.com or posted to our office address given at the bottom of this page.

  • Your child’s Birth Certificate
  • Your child’s National Identity Card
  • Your Ration Card, Voters ID Card, Aadhar Card (We need at least 2 of these)
  • Your Marriage Certificate or a Letter from your village officer
  • Day Care Center letter (if appropriate)
  • Pictures of the mother and child

 

Please do not submit incomplete forms because they will not be considered. For those filing the nomination on behalf of the mother, please ensure that you have all the necessary documents in place before applying.

Program Timelines

December 1, 2016  : Nominations for the award are open via our website.

February 28, 2017  : Nominations close and preparations begin for the selection and verification of the 15 finalists. A Selection Committee will review all applications and shortlist candidates. A Verification Authority will verify and authenticate the 15 finalists.

April 10-15, 2017  : The honorees will be announced. Details on the special programs, venue, travel, accommodation, and more will be announced on the site post the announcement.

May 14, 2017 (Mother’s Day) : Award Ceremony. A special day is being organized for the Honorees who will receive

  1. a Certificate of Excellence in Parenting
  2. a cash award of INR 15,000 each
  3. a *Special Lifetime Pass that entitles them to support services from Sri Arunodayam Charitable Trust

*Special Lifetime Pass

A Special Lifetime Pass is being offered to the 15 finalists which entitles them to lifetime services from Sri Arunodayam. These include:

  • On or before the day of the Award, mothers, their special children, and one other person (family member or friend) will be provided free transportation and accommodation to attend the event.
  • The special moms will be given a ‘day out’ to enjoy themselves through various activities, sponsored by Sri Arunodayam. This may include a spa session, or a stress relief massage session, or a tour to tourist sites in Chennai city, etc. The activities will be finalized closer to the date of the event.
  • While the mothers are attending the event activities, their special children will be taken care of by Sri Arunodayam. This gives them stress-free time to enjoy themselves.
  • Each year’s 15 finalists will be given access to regular training programs and materials to help them learn more and advance in their caregiving abilities.
  • Understanding the anxiety of parents concerning the future of their special children on their demise, Sri Arunodayam offers the option to finalists to appoint Sri Arunodayam as the custodian and official guardian of their special children. Sri Arunodayam will network with peer organizations to enable a safe haven for their children on the parent’s demise.
  • Establish a network or support system for finalists to collaborate, learn, share and also leverage Sri Arunodayam’s services and support to develop into a sisterhood of special moms who can enjoy hope for themselves, their children and families, and other affected families in society through association.

Let's do our bit to change the mindset

Mothers of Mentally Retarded (MR) children (whether biological or adopted) are never really prepared for what lies ahead in the journey with their children. MR children have absolutely no ability to self-regulate. They often experience major mood shifts, sometimes demonstrate angry outbursts and may appear to have some very disruptive tendencies. Such children need regular appointments with their therapists, doctors, special educators and other caregivers’ – much more than normal children.

Because MR children are unable to express themselves – except in rather primitive ways, it is difficult even for their own parents to understand them. Mothers need constant positive reinforcement to keep persevering each day but they invariably don’t get it. They often end up wondering if their efforts are making a difference at all! And then the fatigue sets in.

We can play our part by trying to understand them, by offering help whenever we can, and by not judging them. It’s not always money that’s required. Sometimes just being a reliable support or a person that they can trust, is all that is needed. If each of us does our little bit, we can change society!

  • Sponsor a Mother’s Award : INR 15,000/-
  • Sponsor a child’s meal at the event : INR 500/-
  • Sponsor a child’s gift at the event : INR 200/-

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