Home To 200+ Intellectually Challenged People, Asha Niketan Needs Your Help To Uplift Them

The 18th birthday holds an enormous amount of excitement and happiness for anyone. Turning 18 basically means one is no longer a child and can take decisions on their own - no one can override that. A life of new adventures and learnings await them. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for so many in the country. 

One in every 10 children is born with or acquires a physical, mental, or sensory disability. These children are deprived of the normal ways of life - they are often looked on as burdens. And even when they enter adulthood, instead of being able to enjoy the perks they remain fully dependent on others for their basic needs. Even the simplest jobs like going to the bathroom or eating their food with a spoon become a problem. ‘Normal’ schools refuse to take them in and they spend their lives in solitude. 

For over half a century, Asha Niketan has been a ray of hope to people with intellectual disabilities 

Asha Niketan is a place of healing and celebration of life. Here, they welcome and respect differences. They are home to men and women of different ages, different cultural traditions, different religious backgrounds, of different physical and mental abilities. Each of them has a different story, needs, fears, and hopes. 

Asha Niketan – FMR India is an affiliated member of L’Arche, an International Federation of communities throughout the world where people with intellectual disabilities (core members) and those who share their lives (assistants), live a life of fulfillment in homes and are nurtured with love and care. Workshops and daycare centers form an integral part of their service. Initiated by Dr. Jean Vanier in France in 1964, there are now 140 communities or branches in 36 countries around the world. 

The first Community was started in 1970 in Bangalore. Today there are five communities located in Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Nandi Bazar (Kerala), and Asansol (West Bengal).  Each of the communities is governed by a local Governing Council consisting of men and women who voluntarily give their time and skills and are committed to the members of Asha Niketan. In total, Asha Niketa is now home to 200+ intellectually challenged residents. 

“We strongly believe that all our residents have a unique gift and they need to be celebrated for that. With the help of our vocational training, they have been involved in candle making, gardening, different kind of local crafts, wall decorations, macrame pot hangers, etc. These products are being sold and they get remuneration for this. All this adds a purpose to their lives, makes them realise that their disabilities don’t define them,” - John Samuel, Community Leader, Aska Niketan, Chennai. 

You can help the residents live a life of dignity and happiness 

The residents of Asha Niketan are in constant need of nutritious food - most of them are immuno-compromised and only timely medicine and a balanced diet can help them lead a comfortable life. Therefore, along with materials for their vocational training centres, Asha Niketan is asking for your help with groceries and medicines too. Even a small contribution can bring back their smiles - donate now and make a difference. 

About the NGO: Asha Niketan is a place of healing and celebration of life. Here, they welcome and respect differences. They are home to men and women of different ages, different cultural traditions, different religious backgrounds, of different physical and mental abilities. Currently, they have five branches located in Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Nandi Bazar (Kerala), and Asansol (West Bengal).