Chellam C
Chellam, a mother from Velachery, embarked on an extraordinary journey when her son was diagnosed with developmental challenges at the tender age of three and a half. Undeterred by the uncertainty, she sought expert guidance and enrolled her son in specialized schools.
From Praveen School, to Gurunanak School, to NIEPMD Vidya Sudha, Chellam tirelessly supported her son’s education. She witnessed his progress in skill development, from animation to solar technology. Despite the challenges, she remained steadfast, ensuring her son received essential therapies and vocational training.

However, the journey was not without its trials. Abandoned by her husband, the emotional toll of raising a child with special needs was immense. The constant worry, the societal stigma, and the challenges of her son’s adolescence weigh heavily on her. She often found herself longing for a different reality for her son, questioning her own abilities as a mother. “When I compare my son to other young people, I often feel a sense of longing and wish he were more like them. Sometimes, I can’t help but wonder if another parent could have done a better job raising him,” she says. Yet, she perseveres. Her love for her son fuels her determination.

Chellam’s story is a testament to the strength and resilience of mothers without family support caring for their differently-abled children. As she navigates the future, she hopes for a society that is more inclusive and understanding, one that offers opportunities and support to individuals with special needs.

Dr. Maria Fatima Josephine
Dr. Maria and her husband, Mr. Irudhiyaraj, experienced a profound joy followed by a heart-wrenching ordeal. After years of longing, they were blessed with a baby girl, Maria Priya Sabina.However, their happiness was short-lived as their daughter fell ill with brain fever, leaving her with significant disabilities.

Determined to provide her with the best care, they embarked on a relentless journey of therapy and rehabilitation. Despite the bleak prognosis from doctors and the judgmental attitudes of some, they remained steadfast in their commitment, refusing to institutionalize their daughter and choosing to nurture her at home.

“Our daughter is a very resilient child who has defied all our expectations. She not only overcame her initial challenges but also fourth stage breast cancer! She has become an active participant in our social work, accompanying us to training programs and inspiring countless individuals,” Dr. Maria says.

The couple’s dedication led them to establish a pioneering school for children with special needs. This institution offers hope through comprehensive care and education, setting new standards in the field. “To effect societal change, we must first change ourselves. By embracing and accepting individuals with special needs, we inspire a more inclusive society,” Dr. Maria says.

Through their extraordinary journey, Dr. Maria and her husband have shown us the power of resilience. Their story is a testament to the transformative power of parental love coupled with a deep determination to overcome the odds.

Gayathri Sampath Kumar
Gayathri Sampath, a software engineer turned dedicated advocate for children with special needs, was inspired by her daughter, Nithilya. Despite the daunting prognosis even before Nithilya was born, Gayathri and her husband were determined to have the baby and care for her as best as they could. Nithilya was diagnosed with Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy and faced significant challenges from birth.

To create a nurturing environment for children like Nithilya, Gayathri and her husband founded Nithilyam Special School – a 15,000-square-foot center in Annur that has become a beacon of hope for countless children with special needs. Gayathri’s dedication to her daughter’s well-being inspired her to advocate for the rights and needs of children with disabilities. She works to raise awareness, promote inclusivity, and create a more compassionate society. Nithilya’s untimely passing left a huge void in her parent’s lives, but her legacy lives on through the school. “My husband and I built this school inspired by our daughter’s journey. Her life was short and sweet, and she has completed her life’s purpose,” Gayathri says.

Through Nithilyam Special School, Gayathri has empowered hundreds of children, helping them reach their full potential. The school’s focus on early intervention and holistic development has made a significant impact on the lives of these children and their families.
Gayathri’s journey highlights the importance of parental love and untiring perseverance. Her commitment and dedication to creating a more inclusive world serve as an inspiration to us all.

Mahalakshmi S.
Mahalakshmi and her husband’s journey as parents of a child with special needs has been a testament of their love and dedication. Their son, Santhosh Kumar, faced numerous challenges from the very beginning. Despite the initial setbacks and the uncertainty surrounding his future, the couple remained determined to provide him with the best care.

Mahalakshmi enrolled him in various rehabilitation therapies, which helped him achieve significant milestones. The support and guidance from the school played a crucial role in his development she says. To ensure his future, Mahalakshmi and her husband even started a small business for their son.

The journey, however, has been a tough one. Society’s lack of understanding and acceptance often made it difficult for them. From disapproving glances and discriminatory behavior, to even being driven out of a place of worship, they have faced it all. Yet, the couple perseveres, driven by their love. “I am truly lucky to have such a supportive husband who provides even better care for our son than I ever could. He is an exceptional father and is also deserving of this award,” she says.

Mahalakshmi stresses the importance of early intervention and awareness. Through her experiences, she has become a strong advocate for individuals with special needs, inspiring others to embrace inclusivity and compassion. Mahalakshmi has taken up a career in Special Education inspired by her son’s journey.

Malarvizhi R
Malarvizhi carries the weight of a mother’s love and a society’s indifference. Her son, born with special needs, faced a life marked by challenges. Yet, Malarvizhi refused to succumb to despair. The early years were a whirlwind of medical procedures and emotional turmoil. Her husband’s harsh words and demands added to her burden, but she stood firm in her decision to care for her child. This led to her being ousted from the family.

Slowly, she began to understand the extent of her son’s needs, the countless hours of therapy, and the constant struggle to provide him with the best possible care. “The stress of family disputes and societal stigma has taken a toll on my health, but my love for my son has fueled my determination to make a better life for us,” Malarvizhi says. She sought out specialized care and patiently worked with him, celebrating every small victory.
As her son grew, so did the acceptance within her family. They began to see beyond his limitations and tried to make amends.

Malarvizhi’s journey reminds us that every child, regardless of their abilities, deserves to be loved, nurtured, and given the opportunity to thrive. It also reminds us of the power of a resolute mother, inspiring us to never give up hope.

Mohana S
Mohana faced many problems from within her family when her son, Manikandan, was born with special needs. As her husband abandoned them, the weight of the family’s judgment and financial hardship fell upon her frail shoulders. Yet, she refused to be broken. “For my son’s sake, I took up many jobs as a maid. I literally begged at times, to be able to take care of him,” she says.

Despite the bleak outlook, Mohana endured countless trials to provide him with the care and therapy he needed. She worked tirelessly, all while facing the scorn of those who couldn’t understand her unwavering devotion to her child. “From the very beginning, my mother in law had wanted me to abort the baby. Then later, she wanted me to abandon my son if I was to live with my husband. Since I wouldn’t comply, the matter escalated. When the court asked my son, Manikandan, who he preferred to live with, he said he wanted to live with me. I had no one by my side except my neighbors,” Mohana says.

Manikandan is making progress, gradually gaining independence and a sense of self-worth. Mohana’s love is transforming her son’s life, and in doing so, she inspires countless others to embrace the potential of children with special needs. She urges other mothers to embrace their children unconditionally, to fight for their rights, and to never give up hope.

Prabha Anand
Prabha Anand, a mother from Salem, shares the extraordinary journey of her son, Venkatesh. Born prematurely and diagnosed with autism, Venkatesh faced many challenges right from the start. Through years of therapy and patient guidance, Venkatesh made significant strides. He developed valuable skills, including weaving, stitching, and painting. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to create “Venky’s Keychains,” which gained recognition across India and Dubai.

Prabha emphasizes the importance of unconditional love, acceptance, and understanding for children with special needs. She also calls for greater societal awareness and support, particularly in terms of accessibility and affordable treatment.

“Through my experiences with Venky, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of myself,” Prabha says. “Parents must learn to accept their children unconditionally. Unfortunately, many hesitate to acknowledge or discuss their children’s conditions due to fear. Another issue is the competitive environment parents create by enrolling their children in multiple classes, attributing their children’s success to their own efforts. This approach is counterproductive. When children gain confidence, they can achieve great things. We should provide them with the space to explore and develop,” she says.

Venkatesh’s achievements inspire us to embrace diversity and celebrate the unique abilities of every individual.

Rajakumari D.
Rajakumari’s journey as a mother of a child with special needs has been marked by immense challenges. Her son, Naveen, faced numerous health issues from birth, requiring extensive medical care and therapy that have drained the family’s finances. Despite the physical and emotional toll, Rajakumari remains steadfast in her commitment to her son’s well-being.

She navigated the complexities of the healthcare system, faced societal stigma, and endured the pain of witnessing her son’s suffering due to medical negligence. “The doctors said a blood clot had formed in my son’s brain due to complications arising during labour. I don’t know what happened during the delivery process but I was later informed that an assistant had applied intense pressure to my stomach, resulting in a blood clot forming in my son’s brain, which led to him having fits. Due to this terrible negligence, my life was impacted, and my son’s life was ruined. It pains me to think that he will never have a family of his own,” Rajakumari says.

Rajakumari’s story highlights the critical need for trained medical professionals. Without this, lives can be irrevocably damaged. She emphasizes the need for specialized care and societal acceptance for individuals with special needs. By sharing her experiences, she inspires others to embrace compassion and create a more inclusive world.

Rajalakshmi K
Rajalakshmi’s world, once filled with the joy of motherhood, took an unexpected turn. Her third child, born with special needs, challenged her in ways she could never have imagined.The road ahead was arduous but with determination, she dedicated herself to her child’s care. Years of therapy sessions, countless sleepless nights, and the constant battle against societal indifference tested her spirit.

Rajalakshmi and her child faced judgmental glances and hurtful words, but she refused to be deterred. “People have used derogatory terms like ‘mad’ to describe my daughter, she says. “I have no support from my relatives. It is my neighbors and friends who have been my pillars of strength, caring for my daughter and me. We have had numerous family conflicts, with my father even suggesting that I institutionalize my daughter. I resolutely refused, declaring that I would personally care for her, regardless of the challenges,” Rajalakshmi says.

Rajalakshmi’s story is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by families caring for children with special needs. It’s also a call to action, urging society to extend empathy and support to those who often feel marginalized. She yearns for a future where her daughter could live with dignity and independence.

Santhi R
Santhi, a young bride of seventeen, was unaware of the hidden challenges that lay ahead. When her child failed to reach developmental milestones, she sought medical advice. The diagnosis revealed a neurological condition, requiring expensive medication that her family refused to provide. “The doctors explained that my child’s condition was a result of consanguineous marriage. Marrying close relatives increases the risk of children inheriting significant health issues. Unfortunately, my own parents were also related when they married,” Santhi says.

Despite the financial strain and societal stigma, Santhi refused to give up hope. She sought various therapies and enrolled her daughter in schools providing special education.The journey was arduous, filled with insensitive comments and judgmental glances. The only one who truly supported her was her younger brother, but he passed away. “The untimely death of my beloved brother compounded my struggles, leaving me to navigate life’s challenges alone,” Santhi says. She works at the special school where her child studies to be able to support her.

“About five or six years ago, my father suggested that I remarry. He said that no one would care for me after he was gone. However, I firmly declined because my husband had abandoned me due to our child’s condition. What was the guarantee that a new partner wouldn’t do the same? I have to prioritize my child for her to reach her full potential. This is far more important than any personal sacrifice,” Santhi says.

Santhi’s story is a testament to the strength of a mother’s love, and her determination to overcome the odds. It is a call to challenge societal norms and to celebrate the unique abilities of children with special needs.