Geetha N
Geetha was married at the age of eighteen. Soon after, her son Santhosh was born. At first he appeared normal. When he didn’t achieve the first milestone of smiling, they took him for a check-up and found that he had Down syndrome. They had no idea what to do about it at that time. Soon after, a little girl Ananya, was born. She too turned out to be a special child. Santhosh was ill most of the time as he also had blood cancer. This took a toll on the little family but the couple did the best they could for both children. Sadly, Santhosh died at the age of nineteen. People said that Ananya would not survive for long. She would remain a vegetable. But the parents make sure that she receives all the therapy she needs including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, special education, and music therapy. Ananya is twelve years old today, she can walk with support and is very understanding. Geetha’s husband modified his bike to comfortably support both Mother and child on their trips to school and back. “Even in the last days of his illness, my son insisted on carrying and playing with his little sister. In sign language he asked me to take very special care of her. The image of it still comes to mind and chokes me. He loved his sister so much! My husband and I are doing all we can to give her a good life, helping her become more independent,” Geetha says.

Kalaiselvi
Jyothi was brought up by her mother Kalaiselvi, a divorcee and a diabetic. Jyothi was born blind. She was always restless and disturbed. She hardly ever slept. After a check-up at NIMHANS, Kalaiselvi was told that Jyothi also has intellectual disability. All through these events, there were frequent fights at home with her in-laws that disrupted the peace. Kalaiselvi put Jyothi in a special school where she made very good progress. Jyothi especially took to music – playing the violin and the keyboards. Kalaiselvi’s parents stood by her and supported her in many ways, making it possible for Jyothi to achieve her dream of performing around the world. Recently, Jyothi received the Singapennay Award at Coimbatore. “I noticed that Jyothi would become a different person under the influence of music. That’s why my parents and I encouraged her to excel in these areas. She sings very well too. She’s completed a three-year diploma in music and in teaching too. Today she’s in the 2nd Year of BA studying the violin, and she’s in the 6th Grade in keyboards. I don’t dwell on the bad time my in-laws and relatives gave me concerning Jyothi, in fact, I thank them because it made us better persons today,” says Kalaiselvi.

Kaveri Palanisamy
Kaveri’s husband, Palanisamy, was a labourer who worked at construction sites. One day, he happened to find a baby abandoned in a neglected building. Afraid that the stray dogs would attack the child, he brought her home to Kaveri. The couple deliberated long and hard and decided that they would raise the child as their own. After a couple of months, it became apparent that the child had intellectual disabilities and the many trips to the hospital commenced. Despite all this, the poor couple never once contemplated handing the child over to the Government. A few years later, Palanisamy died of Tuberculosis and Kaveri and the child had to fend for themselves. It was a rough time for mother and daughter until they came upon Star Special School, a rehabilitation centre for the intellectually disabled, hearing impaired, and other disabilities. Kaveri became a caregiver at the center where she stays with her adopted daughter. “My daughter is my life,” Kaveri says. “I wish my husband could see how well we are doing here. It’s so peaceful and I am happy for the first time in my life. I don’t have children of my own but my adopted daughter led the way for me to become a mother not just to one but to hundreds of other special children. My life has meaning now,” she says.

Mala S
Mala and her family live in Thiruvallur in a small rented house. Her husband works at a tea shop and she has a small flower business. They have two special children – a girl and a boy. Both children were diagnosed with intellectual disabilities in early childhood. In fact, Jayanthi, their daughter had developed brain fever when she was around three months old. The family struggled to make ends meet on the meagre wages of the parents and Mala’s mother pitched in to help by opening up an idli shop in her old age. With this support, the couple enrolled their children for rehabilitation therapy. Their son, Sathish Babu, has begun to walk and do many other things on his own. Jayanthi joined a weaving center where she spends her time weaving mats. “We did not know how to handle the situation early on and much time passed before we understood how to help our children. My mother helped very much by taking the children to hospital and watching over them when we had to be elsewhere. She pitched in to pay for their medical expenses from the meagre earnings of her idli shop,” Mala says. “My mother in law is no more but she was an amazing woman. We can never forget the many sacrifices she made to bring us up to a fairly good standard of living through her hard work. We can never forget her and will continue serving our children like she did, till the very end,” says Mala’s husband.

Mariyammal S
Mariyammal and her family live in Tenkasi. As both her daughters are intellectually disabled, the family is often ignored especially during social gatherings. Their neighbourhood is not very inclusive and the parents are afraid to leave their girls alone at home to attend these functions. They have to take their girls with them everywhere they go. Mariyammal’s husband works in a banian company in Tirupur. She is a tailor and works from home but it’s not a daily wage job. The girls, Anitha and Gayathri are dependent on their mother for many activities of daily living. Anitha is currently attending Computer Classes and Gayathri is studying in the 3rd Standard. “We love our girls and are worried about their future,” Mariyammal says. “We are ostracized by both family and friends. It would mean so much to us if people were a little kinder. We don’t need much, just a little more kindness and a little less judgement,” she says.

Mythili N
When Mythili’s son, Vishwa Kannan, was born, little did she know that she would open a special school one day. The child was a little less than two years old when he was diagnosed with PDA, a heart problem. The operation was performed at Chennai Apollo Hospital but complications during the surgery kept the child in the ICU for almost three months. Mythili and her husband took Vishwa Kannan for rehabilitation therapy for almost five years before they realised he was a special child. Despairing about what more they could do for him, they were instructed to put him in a special school. They even hired a special teacher to conduct classes at home for their son. With the tremendous improvement they saw in him, Mythili admitted him in a Railway Special School and things went well for a while. But the school expelled Vishwa Kannan citing that two caregivers were required to help him at school. Mythili begged the principal and even offered to pay for the services of the caregivers, but to no avail. Watching her slide into depression, her friend Vetri inspired her to open up a special school on her own. In a single night she made up her mind and started Shine Educational Trust in her own home. From three children it grew to ten and then to eighty in a short while! Of these children, one is attending College and two are preparing for their 10th Standard examinations with the help of scribes. “Many mothers like myself experience difficulties with special schools in our towns who won’t cater to the needs of older children (above 18 years old),” Mythili says. “It so happened that my depressing experience ended up bringing hope to many. Our Trust does not make distinctions and includes special children of all ages because we know they can achieve their potential, but at their own pace,” she says.

Nirmala P V
Nirmala is a Graduate and a housewife. She lives with her family in Coimbatore. When her son, Prem, was two years old, he was diagnosed as autistic. Nirmala spent her time trying to understand this condition. She began to notice that her child was gifted in many ways, music being the biggest asset that always brought a smile to his face. Nirmala put Prem in Vidya Vikasini Opportunity School, where he studied up to the 7th Standard. Prem was more inclined to pursue music rather than an academic career, so he pressed on, doing what he loves best. Prem is 29 years old today and a degree holder in Carnatic music. He is a trainee music teacher at Vidya Vikasini Matriculation School, Coimbatore. He plays the keyboard and trains aspiring young musicians in his neighbourhood. “There is always good to be found in every situation. We must train ourselves to look for it,” Nirmala says. “When Prem was diagnosed as autistic, my first response like most of us was to lament and wonder why this happened to me. But now I realise that life has presented me with a wonderful gift – a gifted and loving son – who helped me grow into the person I am today. I would never trade this experience for anything in the world,” she says.

Rajeswari L
Rajeswari and her family live in Kancheepuram. She has two normal children. Her third child, Guruprakash, has a mild form of intellectual disability and autism, which they came to know about when he was around two and a half years old. Their relatives kept them at a distance but Rajeswari and her husband taught their children to love and respect each other. Guruprakash undergoes therapy at NIEPMD. It’s here that his speech dramatically improved. He is an avid sportsman and loves swimming and cricket, dance and drama. Guruprakash has won several prizes in sports (at the Special Olympics), and he performs in many cultural events across Indian cities. He’s been selected to play in a cricket tournament in Australia in October 2022 by SIVUS India. The family runs on the father’s pension alone. “I believe Guruprakash is a blessing from God. We have accepted and loved him just as he is,” Rajeswari says. “I draw a lot of strength from my daughter in law who is very supportive. She bolsters my courage when I need it the most. Even though we don’t have the support of our extended families, we are happy together and our bond has grown stronger over time. I’m immensely comforted by this,” she says.

Revathi
Revathi and her husband have two children. A boy and a girl, both intellectually disabled. Her husband, a daily wage earner, was quite abusive toward them. As she struggled to cope with the requirements for rehabilitating their children, her husband met with a serious accident and suffered severe head injuries. This caused him to become even more abusive and violent. Fearing for their lives, Revathi and the children live separately from him. She is now the sole breadwinner for the entire family. Though a sad beginning, the story has a better ending. Revathi works as a caregiver at a Special School in which her two children are enrolled. “I struggled a lot and went through very depressing times, but am now happy with the way things have turned out for my children and for myself,” Revathi says. “I laugh a lot more and am less depressed as I can be of service to so many more children that need my care. Every life has a purpose,” she says.

Roobi Xavier P
Roobi and her husband live in Kanyakumari. They have two daughters. Both girls live with intellectual disabilities. Roobi’s husband is a mason and an alcoholic. Mother and daughters live in constant fear of him because he has attempted to kill them on several occasions. Her daughter, Ashika, was the worst affected in the most recent attempt on their lives. Ashika underwent surgery with steel implants in her legs. This was removed only last year and Ashika is beginning to walk with support. Roobi herself suffers with liver and kidney disease. With her own health in jeopardy and living in constant fear, she also suffers with stress. “My girls mean everything to me. No matter the cost, I’m never ever leaving them on their own,” she says. “I hope my husband will come to his senses one day and understand that our life is what we make of it. In facing life and living responsibly, we can actually make heaven on earth,” she says.

Sankari C
Sankari’s son Bharatwaj appeared normal during the initial months after birth. But as time went by, he wasn’t able to walk. A check-up revealed that he had multiple disabilities and autism. After giving him various rehabilitation therapies, Bharatwaj began walking when he was around eight years old. Sankari’s other two children were born normal. Her daughter Charumathy took on the role of being her brother’s protector at social events. She hated the way people looked at him and treated him. Bharatwaj was the first student at the rehabilitation center he was enrolled in and he became very fluent in his speech. He made very good progress to the delight of his family. In the meanwhile, Sankari’s husband died at the age of 43 from kidney failure. Her mother helped support Sankari and her family for a long time until she too passed away. Sankari’s daughter Charumathy married a wonderfully compassionate person and her in-laws are very supportive of Bharatwaj, which is a great solace for the family. Sankari’s granddaughter says, “Grandma has always been my role model. We crib about small things but Grandma has gone through so much and done so much, being a single parent of three. She worked and she took care of her three children on her own, and I feel no one could have done the amazing job she did under the circumstances.”

Sathyalakshmi A
Sathyalakshmi and Sudhakar have two daughters of which Shravanthi is autistic. The parents entered her into several rehabilitation programs and Shravanthi took to expressing herself more through art/pictures. Sathyalakshmi noticed that Shravanthi had a natural flair for blending colors beautifully. The child preferred to develop her skill rather than continue with academics. She started painting and word got around about the beautiful work she was turning out. She even received an Award for her paintings from the Vice President of India. She soon began to commercialize her paintings through her company SSA Arts. Shravanthi is very talented and has completed advanced courses in vocational training and art. At present, she is completing a multimedia course at NIEPMD. It’s Sathyalakshmi’s personal sacrifice that made all this possible. She was a lecturer in Computer Science and was pursuing her Ph.D in Madurai. But Sathyalakshmi resigned her job in order to personally take care of Shravanthi. “Shravanthi used to throw tantrums and behave very aggressively. In Tirunelveli we looked for some type of behavioural/rehabilitation support but it was not available. That’s when we heard about NIEPMD, Chennai and got her enrolled in a model special school where she received all the help she needed,” Sathyalakshmi says. “Through her paintings, Shravanthi is becoming financially independent and life is getting a lot easier for all of us. I sincerely thank Sri Arunodayam for this award as it is such an encouragement for mothers like us,” she concludes.

Savitha Chavgule S
Savitha and her Advocate husband lived in Mysore. When their son, Sumit, was three years old, he was diagnosed with autism. The parents were quick to put him into rehabilitation therapy where the child received occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech therapy. He grew up confident and even performed at the World Bhagawad Gita Conference reciting 14 slokas out of 20. The family moved to Goa and Sumit is presently studying in the 7th Standard at St. Xavier’s Academy, Goa. “In the early days, it was difficult for us to get the right therapies for our son. I wish the system was more streamlined,” Savitha says. “I myself live with Dextrocardia and Situs Inversus where all my main organs like the heart, liver and spleen are facing in the opposite direction, but I live a fairly normal life. We moved to Goa mainly to ensure a better life for our son and we are learning something new each day. If I’ve received a recognition like the Special Mom Award, it’s all because of Sumit,” she says.

Shanthi G
Shanthi and her husband have two intellectually disabled children, 29 year old Charles and 24 year old Stella Mary. They live in Kancheepuram. The parents weren’t aware of the issue until the children were a year and a half old. The inability to walk, late speech, and a few other symptoms were the indicators. The parents put them in a Special School until they were twelve years old and it is here that they learnt a lot and progress was very good. The children are now in NIEPMD where they receive rehabilitation therapy and vocational training. They are learning to weave door mats. Stella Mary has joined a tailoring class where she has learned to stitch items like pillow cases and handkerchiefs which she embroiders herself. In 2018, Shanti’s husband died of kidney failure. Things have become difficult for the family since then. Shanthi is teaching her children to get more independent like going to the shop to purchases items, and do other things for themselves. “Looking after the children all these years has been difficult but also a blessing. I cannot believe I won an award on account of this. I am very grateful to Sri Arunodayam for helping me see my worth,” Shanthi says.

Vasantha Selva Kumari R
Vasantha’s younger sister’s daughter, Mahalakshmi, is intellectually disabled. Vasantha’s sister has many children and she was unable to focus on Mahalakshmi and give her the attention she needed. That’s when Vasantha decided to adopt the girl. She put her in a special school and ensured that Mahalakshmi received all the therapies she required. It’s at this school that the child learned to speak, walk, dance, and get involved in all the activities of daily living. She also showed a keen interest in dance and became a successful folk dance artist. Mahalakshmi has received many awards for dance, and more recently, from the Governor of Pondicherry Mrs. Kiran Bedi, on world disability day. Vasantha also opened up a tea shop in Mahalakshmi’s name so that they have another way of earning a living. “I feel happy and purposeful in life. I wanted to give the best for Mahalakshmi so that she can become independent. She is a dancer and she helps at the tea shop thereby earning a decent living. I’m very proud of her and what’s she’s doing with her life,” Vasantha says.