Support Abandoned Intellectually Disabled Children

Vijay was just two years old when he joined our Sri Arunodayam family in March 2007. He was abandoned in a dilapidated well at Tiruvannamalai District when he was just two days old! The Social Welfare Department at Tiruvannamalai transferred Vijay to an adoption agency but not before publishing his picture in the local newspapers to trace his parents. Vijay was sent to a home but they refused to take him as he is intellectually disabled. Thus began his journey to Sri Arunodayam where he was welcomed and nurtured over the years.

Vijay also had physical problems. He had Right Hemiparesis (weakness of an entire side of his body) and needed assistance while eating. With regular physiotherapy, he is back to normal today and attends special education classes.

It is difficult to comprehend how families could abandon their vulnerable children as the effects of rejection is something these children live with all their lives. Vijay is one of the lucky few who made it to our home where he was embraced and nurtured by ever attentive staff. Today, he seems to have overcome his behavioural issues through timely psychiatric care, medication and a nutritious diet. Having been put through a rehabilitation program, Vijay is now quite articulate and smart. He can handle most tasks without much difficulty and shows signs of becoming a good tailor. He makes attractive shopping bags, which are quickly sold out. We are incredibly proud of Vijay who continues to learn new things each day at tailoring class.