After 2,500 adoptions there is a small group of children with Shreevatsa. Nobody wants them and prospective parents who want to adopt do not really find these children ‘appealing’. But now there is a ray of hope as generous donations over a period of years have helped the Shreevatsa authorities actually raise a 23,000 sq ft construction on a two-acre plot at Pimpale Gurav. “This is their home. A home for mentally challenged children and kids with disabilities and diseases like HIV,” says Madhuri Abhyankar, Director, Social Service, Society of Friends of Sassoon Hospital (SOFOSH).

Around 60 children are cared for at Shreevatsa and while the care centre has placed over 2,500 children in adoption, there are at least 20 children in the age group one to 16 years who still wait for a home. Take the case of five-year-old Priya (name changed). She has a skin ailment and is physically disabled. She has sores all over and stays away from picnics organised by the nursery she attends. “What can I say when she asks me about her parents coming to fetch her?” rues Abhyankar.

Priya may not be mentally challenged but her skin ailment has made her unattractive to prospective parents. Twelve-year-old Aarti (name changed) however is mentally challenged. But the enterprising girl worked hard throughout the year to bag the best student award at Kamayani — a special school, says Abhyankar. “Everybody wants children who are productive. So those children with autism, mental retardation, cerebral palsy and even HIV do not get selected for adoption,” says Abhyankar. But thanks to donations, an ambitious project initiated in 1999 will now see the light of the day.

“We are taking care of these children,”says Abhyankar as the volunteers teach them how to paint diyas and make lanterns for Diwali, and yes even learn dancing from choreographer Shiamak Davar’s instructors.

Publication : IE; Section : Mumbai; Pg: 4; Date : 10/11/07