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Mahua was found with severe injuries on his head and legs. It took more than six months of individualised medical treatment to help him get better. He was severely hearing and speech impaired and was diagnosed with Aplasia. Addicted to tobacco, he suffered from immense emotional and physical trauma. He was not potty-trained and had no idea of even what to eat. He had no awareness of social behavioural norms. 

With a lot of emotional support, love and acceptance, over a long period of time, he gradually settled into our home very well. Forming bonds with other children and staff, he grew into being a very affable and loving youngster. He has one of the most welcoming bear hugs one can ever experience. Inspite of not being able to talk, he loves communicating through sounds with every visitor who comes to Karm Marg. No one can ever forget his bright smile.

From having violent tendencies, he now has turned into a caring individual who shows a lot of  proactive responsibility towards the younger children of the home. He is often seen taking care of them and helping them with their daily activities like bathing, feeding, washing clothes, gardening and even kneading dough!! He is currently undergoing life skills training and vocational training at our in house income generation unit Jugaad as well as the bakery unit.

The most beautiful part of the journey with Mahua was when under the training of a special needs educator and speech therapist, he heard a sound for the very first time in his life. His expression was priceless. His excitement every time he heard the sound was something none of us will ever forget. 

Seeing his progress over the years truly makes one understand how much a life can be changed for the better given a loving, caring and stimulating environment. Watching him bloom over the years has been a lovely, rewarding experience and a reminder that love can really turn the world around!

Other news at Karm Marg!

The months of October till December is full of festivals and the children have a great time celebrating each festival irrespective of religion or region. Starting with the hindu festivals of Dushhera, Diwali along with Islamic festival of Eid to Christmas. Everything was celebrated with great enthusiasm and fun. The year ended with a fun filled new year eve bonfire party where the children made all the preparations and cooked carrot pudding (halwa) themselves for the occasion. Many alumni and well wishers join the fun with their families making it a lovely, warm way to celebrate the achievements of the year gone by and welcome an exciting new year. 

Our supporters and friends Albatross Travels organised a trip to Agra on the occasion of children's day. Most of the children saw the Taj Mahal up and close for the first time in their lives. They also provided an individual gift for each child and staff for Christmas too. 

Workshop on Handling of Emotional and Mental well being of Institutionalised Children was attended by two of our staff. We also organised a workshop on HIV/AIDS awareness and on life skills training for the children through the Modicare Foundation. We invited other local NGOs, Children New Hope and Miracle Foundation to join us in attending the workshop, which they found very useful. 

Five new children were sent to us by the government authorities for short stay and  one child was restored with his family this quarter.

Report by

Preeti Mehta

Project leader

Karm Marg