Date:13/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/01/13/stories/2006011319690200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Catering to children with multiple disability

Nagesh Prabhu

`Aruna Chetana' offers physiotherapy and speech and occupational therapy

BANGALORE: `Aruna Chetana' is a unique school that has transformed the lives of children suffering from multiple disability.

Established in December 5, 1987 by late Ajith Kumar, who was an engineer, it is located at Malleswaram in the city.

Besides teaching, the school offers physiotherapy, speech and occupational therapy and co-curricular activities such as sports, drawing, painting, dance and music.

The objective of the school is to uphold the right of every child to education irrespective of any disability. Those who do not get admission in other schools and belong to poor socio-economic sections are welcome here, says Principal Usha Jahgirdar.

"We provide them milk and sprouted grams to improve their health. International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple provides lunch from Monday to Friday", she says.

The school caters to children of families residing in Rajajingar, Vijayanagar, Srirampura, R.T. Nagar and Malleswaram. It is run by Hindu Seva Prathisthana and receives a grant from the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Student strength

The school had only a strength of five children when it was set up with the blessings of Vishvesha Teertha Swamiji of Pejawar Mutt in Udupi. This has gone up to 160 now. There are classes from nursery to Standard X.

"It is here that we need to extend our strength to mould them as bright, blooming and confident children. They too have ambitions, aspirations and dreams. Let us help them realise it," said Prakash, who visits the school regularly.

The admissions are from made between June to September and each student is charged a a monthly maintenance fee of Rs. 50 to 100.

The school also provides vocational training. Physically challenged adults are also offered training in weaving mats and making candles and soap powder.

Children are provided hearing aid and supportive aides such as callipers and wheelchairs.

Those in need of surgery are sent to Mahaveer Jain Hospital for free treatment.

The school has an outreach programme at Kempapura Agrahara, where 25 slum children receive education.

It extends technical support to Balamandira, a centre for orphaned children run by the Department of Women and Child Welfare, Ms. Jahgirdar said.

For more details, contact 080-23312908.