In Vadodara, a city much like many in India, thousands of children from underprivileged communities live with developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and speech disorders. Often invisible to society, these children face poverty, stigma, and lack access to education and therapy, resulting in exclusion and neglect.
Sankalp was born out of a deep compassion from its founders, who, as homeopathic doctors, witnessed these harsh realities firsthand. “Without timely and specialised intervention, these children remain heavily dependent on their families,” shares a founder.
Established in 2008, Sankalp, run by the Matushree Parsanba Charitable Trust (MPC Trust), reflects deep responsibility and compassion towards these often forgotten children. aims to be more than a sanctuary, it is a space where every child is recognised for their potential, and disability does not define worth.
Building Bridges of Trust in a Challenging Landscape
Sankalp’s story is not without obstacles. Financial sustainability is a constant challenge as they provide free therapy, education, transport, and nutrition. To keep the work alive, they forged partnerships with corporates, donors, and trained local staff alongside expert mentors.
“Many families initially refused to accept that their child had special needs, fearing social rejection or shame,” the Sankalp team told The Logical Indian. Winning their trust took time, patience, and cultural sensitivity. But as parents began to see real progress in their children, hesitation turned into hope, and many became strong advocates for the cause “Children with disabilities are not ‘different’ in a lesser way, they simply experience and express the world differently,” the team emphasizes.
The community around Sankalp transformed from hesitant observers to active allies. The organisation nurtures the full development of its children by involving parents through counselling, education, and co-created Individual Education Plans, alongside sensitisation of schools and neighbourhoods, a comprehensive effort to weave inclusion into daily life.
The Crucial Role of Skilled Care and Compassion
At the heart of Sankalp’s success lies a dedicated team of special educators, therapists, psychologists, and behaviour specialists. Their expertise is critical. Each child receives tailored, evidence-based interventions that empower them beyond surviving limitations. The use of technology and play-based methods transforms the learning environment into a place of growth and joy.
“Professional guidance ensures these children are empowered to reach their full potential,” explains the team. It’s an approach that focuses not on ‘fixing’ but on nurturing strengths and fostering independence. These nurturing spaces reveal tangible milestones of transformation that ripple through families and communities.
Bhavya’s Journey: A Testament to Patience and Possibility
Among the many who found a new path at Sankalp is Bhavya, who entered the centre at seven with autism, ADHD, and speech difficulties. Once a non-verbal, distressed child prone to tantrums and social withdrawal, Bhavya’s transformation is profound.
Today, she speaks simple sentences, recognises her friends by name, manages basic self-care, and engages joyfully with others. Watching Bhavya say her mother’s name for the first time moved her family to tears, a poignant reminder of the power of consistent support and belief. Her story embodies Sankalp’s mission and the countless small miracles possible when love meets expertise. “Bhavya’s journey is a testament to the power of patience, structured learning under professionals and unwavering support that she gets at SANKALP.”
A Lasting Impact on Children and Families
Since its inception, Sankalp has made a significant difference in the lives of hundreds of children with developmental disabilities, mostly from underprivileged communities in Vadodara. The centre offers free, specialised therapies and education, including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and behavioural support, all delivered by qualified professionals.
Despite financial challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic, Sankalp has continued to provide individualised one-on-one therapy sessions and online support to ensure children remain engaged and progressing.
Presently, Sankalp supports around 45 children, most of whom face multiple disabilities and come from underprivileged backgrounds. The centre offers a scientifically designed, child-specific holistic developmental program free of cost, incorporating therapies such as speech, occupational, physiotherapy, and behavioural interventions. Staffed by professionally qualified special educators and therapists, Sankalp also features fully equipped facilities like sensory integration and audiology units.
Through these comprehensive services and close collaboration with parents, the centre empowers children toward greater independence, better social integration, and emotional wellbeing. Sankalp’s work not only transforms individual lives but also fosters wider societal acceptance, making inclusion a lived reality for vulnerable children and their families.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Sankalp’s work shines a light on a broader societal imperative. Every child has the right to dignity, education, and opportunity regardless of ability. Inclusion is not mere charity; it is justice, acknowledging diverse ways of experiencing the world. By shifting the lens from limitations to strengths and fostering empathy rather than stigma, communities evolve into places of hope and resilience.
