Mrs. Alapati Naga Sowjanya

Special Mom Award 2022|23 Finalist

“I’m speechless at receiving this award, and I thank Sri Arunodayam for breaking the mold and honoring mothers of children with ID. Many in society still have a medieval outlook, believing that these children are cursed. Nothing could be further from the truth! Our daughter is God’s gift to us. A true blessing. I would never exchange Tejasvi for anything in the world!”

Mrs. Prathiba Sudhakar

Special Mom Award 2022|23 Finalist

“The vetting process was stringent but Sri Arunodayam interviewers were very humble and observant. I’m honored to win this award on account of my daughter, Roshini. I loved the many personal touches all throughout the event, especially receiving my gift in a beautiful jute bag made by the children of Sri Arunodayam. I know what an effort this would have been for them. I want to stay connected with this organization and its children.”

Mr. P. Jerard Selvaraj

Joint Secretary to Government, Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles & Khadi Department

“I’ve been the Head of the Social Welfare Department in the past, and I’ve watched how this award is touching lives. I would love to be part of Sri Arunodayam’s great work in recognizing these families, which is in congruence with God’s view of children. The Bible is clear that all children are to be looked upon as a blessing, not an inconvenience. They are His gift to us, and if He is fine with them, it’s not up to us to pass judgment!”

Mrs. Ponnammal K

[Special Mom Award 2022|23 Finalist]

“I’m astonished at the things I learned from a gathering like this. I must confess I’m not as patient with my children as my husband is, but the teachings at the forum opened my eyes to my own attitudes, roles, and responsibilities and how to carry them out lovingly. Every session seemed to be tailor-made for my situation. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this group, and look forward to more sessions like this.”

Mrs. Vasumathi R

[Special Mom Award 2019 Finalist]

“I see tremendous value in the forum. I get good guidance on how to handle my problems and life situations. I was very interested in understanding and adopting the right legal process to hand over my property to my special child. The learned Advocate helped me understand the right course of action. I’m truly grateful to Sri Arunodayam for creating the Special Mom Forum for mothers like us.”

Mrs. Ramya Raju

[Psychologist]

“Although it was I that held a session on mental health awareness for these mothers, I ended up in awe of them! They are simple people but strong in integrity. Yes, they struggle like any of us would, but they are incredible because they do not allow circumstances to crush them. They are truly a beacon of hope for their families.”

Mrs. Mallika Banu

Special Mom Award 2021 Finalist

“Raising a child with an intellectual disability is a huge responsibility but it comes with some wonderful rewards. The more I serve my child the deeper my love grows, becoming one of my greatest successes. I celebrate even the smallest of advancements. I take nothing for granted. I know how to be truly grateful which gives me the strength to carry on.”

Mrs. Usha Paneerselvam

Special Mom Award 2021 Finalist

“The things I have learned most from my children and the struggles I have endured could never be taught in any school. It has made us stronger to tackle the many twists and turns of life. We try to make the most of life and still hold dreams for our children. This gives us hope, courage, and determination for what lies ahead.”

Dr. Aacha Arumugasamy,

Founder and Director of Sri Kumaran Health Centre, Retteri, Chennai

“I’m proud to be the Chief Guest of this very special program. Some parents are ashamed of their special children and tend to hide them behind closed doors. But these moms are so proud of their children. You can see the love shine through their eyes. I am truly honored to be part of this wonderful program that is touching and honoring lives in a unique way.”

Mrs. Karpagam

Guest of Honor and Sponsor

I eagerly await this program each year. It is an honor for me to greet a special mom. The idea of recognising such mothers has to be appreciated and I bow my head to Sri Arunodayam for creating such a highly impactful program. This event is an eye-opener for all mothers who find it difficult to manage their normal children. We tend to complain about small things, but the many sacrifices and sufferings of each special mom brings tears to my eyes.”

Mrs. Vasantha Selvakumari

Special Mom Award 2020 Finalist

“I specially thank Iyyappan Subramaniyan for considering me to be a ‘special’ mom. While receiving the award, I forgot the pain I’ve been experiencing through society’s ill treatment of my child. While watching the films I realized many of the mothers suffer far more than I do. My special child is the reason for my elevation as a ‘Special Mom’ and I value this award more than anything else I’ve been recognized for.”

Mrs. Rajeswari

Special Mom Award 2020 Finalist

“My tears weren’t in vain. Society treats my child badly, but through this program his unique abilities as a sportsman were captured well on film and everyone can see him for who he truly is.  My son was restricted from appearing in public places but now is travelling the world to participate in sporting events. I’m just glad for the opportunity to tell our story. The Forum has put me in touch with a wonderful set of sisters, and we are empowered through our relationship.”

S Krishnan, I.A.S.

Principal Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Government of Tamil Nadu

“I’ve heard a lot about Sri Arunodayam but came to understand its various activities at this event. I feel proud that there is an organization in the state of Tamil Nadu, that too in Chennai, that is working for this good cause. I am humbled by the great service that is being rendered to abandoned children by Sri Arunodayam. A truly cultured and civilized society “lives with compassion”. To love all without discrimination is essential for a healthy society. We must learn to live with compassion, and the new philosophy demands that all special children live within society. I deeply appreciate Sri Arunodayam’s effort to recognize special moms through this program, which I believe will ultimately curb the rate of abandonment. We must provide all the possible support to mothers of special children so that they are able to care for them and not contemplate abandoning them. I congratulate all the special moms and wish them the very best.”

Radha Nandakumar

2019 Special Mom Awardee

“The very thought of an event to honour mothers of special children deserves great applause. This is a unique type of honour as far as my knowledge goes. Organizations working with children with severe disabilities usually take on such responsibility for a limited period of time, but Sri Arunodayam provides them with lifetime care. This noble work requires tremendous courage and commitment. As for the event, it went flawlessly – right from the nomination process, to the courteous film crew visiting our homes and giving us the freedom to express ourselves freely, to the staff who took care of us through the weekend as we attended the Special Mom Forum prior to the Awards. The cooperation was admirable, given the amount of hard work, time and energy it must have taken to make this event so spectacular. It requires immense dedication and commitment to train special children for a wonderful performance and the love showered by the staff can well be estimated from the way the children reciprocated. Even the volunteers who took care of our families, were aptly chosen. In all, I admire the thought of such a recognition, the manner in which it was carried out, and the dignity that was accorded to each individual.”

Sr. Mercy George

Principal, Good Shepherd’s Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Nungambakkam, Chennai

“I was extremely happy to be present at this function. I was so inspired by how Sri Arunodayam honored these mothers who go through so many struggles to take care of their special children. They are the true unsung heroines of today. Sri Arunodayam took the trouble to prepare videos of each mother’s story which was very good. It was touching to see how these mothers take care of their children by giving them their best despite the hardships they face.

I admire Iyyappan’s passion and vision, and his selfless service. May God bless you Iyyappan and help you reach out to many more such mothers and children.”

Sanyukta Gupta

Philanthropist & Social Activist

“I feel truly blessed to have been part of the Special Mom Award function. It is the most humbling experience and gives our lives so much perspective. Each mother’s story is one of courage, grit and a “never say die” attitude reminding us of how insignificant our worries and problems actually are.

The concept of not stopping at just an awards function but addressing real issues with a long-term perspective and problem solving approach is so commendable! I pray that each year sees Iyyappan, Chitra and their wonderful team at Sri Arunodayam grow from strength to strength. “Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves” – shine on Team SACT!”

Thilagavathy D

Mother of 2 special children, and one of the 15 Special Mom Finalists

I never imagined that I would be recognized for my role as mother to a ‘special’ child. Who would even think to do this? I am humbled and so grateful that Sri Arunodayam helped me see my own worth. My family is deeply touched by the warmth, affection and honor we received. It’s something that can’t be described. We were constantly worried about the future of our special children but after this wonderful program, our fears have been laid to rest because we know that Sri Arunodayam will honor its word. I’m so happy to be part of the Sri Arunodayam family.

Dr. Sumithra Shanmugham

President of the Tamil Nadu Woman Doctors Association; Recipient of the Best Woman Doctor and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Dr. MGR Medical University

I thank the Sri Arunodayam team for giving me this rare opportunity of sharing my views with the Special Moms who are stressed and really need mental support. Being my first interaction with these mothers, I am very pleased at the way this program is arranged with a view to enlighten them on the need to take care of their own health in order to support their special children. I wish that Sri Arunodayam organizes more such interactive sessions. I wish the team all success!

Niranjan Arcot

Film Creative Consultant, Chennai

When a person’s life gets entwined in an unresolvable situation, it takes a lifetime of coping – all by oneself. The mother of a special child gets little or no support; on the contrary she faces severe ostracism from friends and family. Somewhere deep inside her crippled spirit, she finds the courage and conviction to dedicate her entire life for the child. She becomes not just mother but God to the child. For without her, the child cannot survive.

For almost two decades I have been associated with several organizations involved in caring for the intellectually disabled. My life has been immeasurably enriched simply by getting to know many such special mothers. Isolated and with no frame of reference, they must often go through moments of extreme doubt on whether they are doing the right thing. But for Special Moms at the  awards evening, all their doubts would have been vanquished forever. Because, they themselves would never have realized the magnitude of the nobility they have achieved so silently and selflessly. I pray that this event becomes the frame of reference for all such mothers. An infinite pool of strength and support in their moment of need.

I commit myself to this cause heart and soul.  Iyyappan…. such an honour to know you.

Marie Mills

An Australian Medical Professional and a Volunteer

No mother wants to relinquish the child she has given birth to. Poverty, lack of knowledge, guilt, judgements, discrimination – all impact on mothers to relinquish their differently-abled children. Disability remains a misunderstood issue.

By providing advocacy for mothers of special children, Sri Arunodayam has brought about a cultural alteration. In order to support a child living with a disability, society must first support the mother. The best carer for any child, irrespective of capacity is the mother. This is an astute long-ranging initiative from the Sri Arunodayam team. The organization serves in congruence with its core values – working towards the well-being of differently abled children. This Sri Arunodayam Charitable Trust (SACT) concept has the potential to influence thinking, nationally and internationally. Congratulations SACT!

Nanda Kumar Nagarajan

A software professional for over two decades, and one of Sri Arunodayam’s Trustees

Brilliant! Kudos to the team that worked behind the scenes for months to mark a special day for the Special Moms and a special event for Sri Arunodayam! How I miss bringing everyone of my friends and relatives to this wonderful event. Iyyappan, Jayachitra and the team continue to amaze me with their relentless pursuit of excellence in everything they do – and doing it all with a smile. I take a bow!

Joseph Ravi

District Differently Abled Welfare Officer (DDAWO), Chennai.

Projects like these are truly inspirational and that’s why I’m inaugurating them. I assure Sri Arunodayam and the Special Moms of all the assistance that my Department and I can provide them. I am happy to be part of transformative programs like these.

Iyyappan Subramaniyan

Sri Arunodayam’s Founder & Managing Trustee

The Special MOM Forum is a unique space for mothers of special children. It brings them together to collectively fight for their children’s rights and welfare. The Forum mitigates the feeling that they are all alone and ensures their due recognition from society. This program has the potential to transform the lives of mothers of special children and ensure that no child is abandoned due to a lack of support and care.