Bal Kalyan
Bal Kalyan is an organization that is fully devoted to the development and betterment of the disabled. Bal Kalyan was founded in 1979 by social workers like Mrs. Santi Sadiq Ali (the then Governor’s wife), Mrs. Yamutal Kirloskar, Mrs. Latif, and other well known personalities of Pune. It was started with the aim to encourage cultural and recreational activities among the disabled. Though the institution began in 1979, it was formally inaugurated on 14th November’83.
After its inception, as the concept of introducing activities for the disabled was relevantly new, the organization initially got a poor response. But once the programme kicked off, it has not looked back. Today the institute organizes several fun activities and parties to boost confidence among these children. There are about 1200 to 1500 students that visit this institute weekly and experience a different world altogether. Social workers, teachers, and government authorities have been playing a major role in making Bal Kalyan a success. The staff here is well trained and relates well to the needs of the disabled to bring out the best in them. Teachers appointed here undergo a special disability course which has been approved by the government.
Bal Kalyan hosts several activities to give these kids a chance to explore their talent and skills. Swimming, sports, indoor and outdoor games, cooking, pottery, craft, dance, music, reading and many such activities take place at Bal Kalyan every month. For students with low vision, the institute has come up with centre called ‘Low Vision Center’ where they get proper guidance for reading. They also arrange outdoor trips to let the children enjoy in an open atmosphere.
At Bal Kalyan, the disabled also get a chance to learn new things. These activities include cooking, making rangolis, drawing, playing instruments and dancing and singing. The institution also arranges exhibitions and programs which showcase the talent of these kids to the society.
Moreover, the staff at Bal Kalyan arrange workshops and seminars frequently to create awareness about disability and reduce the stigmata attached to the disabled. Through these seminars, it urges parents and guardians of the disabled to not hide or be ashamed of the disability of their child but educate themselves and the society instead, to help them better. The organization aims at helping people understand that disability is not a disease and with proper guidance and support these children can develop their own interest and can very well outsmart their peers.
The organization accepts donations in cash as well as other payment options. Also people willing to lend a hand at the institution can contact the concerned authorities directly as the staff is more than happy to have people drop by and spend some quality time with the little angels.
More articles by Kadambari Khaire Ghate
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- Pune International Dance Congress - March 11th, 2010
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- Woman Power - March 4th, 2010
