Support excluded kids with disabilities in India

Kiaan began developing serious medical challenges at a young age, including birth asphyxia and a chronic breathing condition. These early struggles with his health led to his father leaving and Kiaan to take care of his mother, who herself was battling depression.

Kiaan was then diagnosed with cerebral palsy and learning difficulties, at the time, the path ahead seemed daunting for Kiaan and his mother. The high cost of treatment meant after a while, they had to stop Kiaan's medical care all together, leaving them with few options. But thanks to your support, this project stepped in to provide therapy and advocate for Kiaan's inclusion in a mainstream school, supporting him to begin to socialise and engage with others. Kian otherwise would be excluded from society, without a support network.

With guidance and encouragement from the project, his grandparents were supported in securing a disability card and gained access to government welfare schemes. Despite the odds, Kiaan began to thrive in daily activities, showing remarkable determination and the long-lasting effect of what it means to be surrounded by community.

His right hand still limits his grip and affects everyday tasks but the transformation has been extraordinary. Once isolated and struggling academically, he now participates confidently in school and social settings. With help from this project, he learned to hold a pencil and began writing, an achievement that once seemed out of reach.

Kiaan's journey just shows what can be achieved with care, support and belief.

Thank you for being part of this transformation!

Anindita is a bright and resilient little girl whose life has been full of challenges since birth. At just one year old, she was diagnosed with Global Developmental Delay (GDD) a condition that affects her ability to sit, walk, hear, see, and communicate like other children her age.

She was born in a rural village in West Bengal, where healthcare services are limited. An outreach worker first noticed that Anindita’s physical development was far behind what is expected for a child her age. Alarmed by her condition, the worker referred her to the Bhalobasha Day Care Centre at Nishtha for further evaluation and care.

Before arriving at Nishtha, her parents had visited a local Primary Health Centre in desperation but left confused and without answers. They did not know where to turn until that same outreach worker intervened again, guiding them toward specialised support.

A comprehensive assessment confirmed Anindita’s GDD, with root causes linked to poor maternal nutrition and lack of proper medical care during pregnancy — both of which had significantly affected her early development.

When she first arrived at Nishtha, her condition was critical. She suffered from excessive drooling, had extremely weak neck muscles, and was unable to sit or grasp objects. Her muscle control was so limited that even the simplest movements were impossible. Her parents were devastated — emotionally and financially broken.

Her father, a poor farmer working on others’ land, struggled daily to provide for the family. They could not afford nutritious food, medicines, or medical consultations. Fear, shame, and uncertainty about Anindita’s future kept them isolated from their community.

At Nishtha, Anindita began receiving consistent, structured care, including:

• Physiotherapy to develop strength and mobility

• Special education and early intervention to stimulate development

• Speech therapy to improve communication

• Daily protein-rich meals to enhance nutrition

• Free monthly medical consultations

• Psychological support for her parents to help them cope and stay strong

Today, her parents joyfully bring her to the Bhalobasha Day Care Centre every day, filled with renewed energy and faith in her future. They are no longer trapped in fear — they are filled with gratitude.

In her mother’s words:

“If The Karuna Trust had not supported us, no one would have listened to our pain, and our daughter might never have improved. We will remain forever grateful for giving our child a chance at a better life.”

Thanks to the timely intervention of the outreach worker, the dedication of the team at Nishtha, and the ongoing support from The Karuna Trust, Anindita’s story has transformed from one of despair to one of strength, recovery, and hope.