This Father Is a Lifeline for 50+ Specially Abled Children

When Kamlesh and his wife welcomed their baby boy, they imagined a childhood filled with first words, first steps and endless laughter. But as months passed, their son’s growth remained still. For years, they travelled from one doctor to another, searching for answers, holding on to hope. At the age of seven, their world changed forever. Their child was diagnosed with profound intellectual disability and moderate autism. The pain was overwhelming, and so was the helplessness.

But instead of giving up, the couple turned their grief into purpose. They asked themselves one question: “If supporting our child feels so difficult even with two salaries, what must poor families be going through?”

That question became their calling

Kamlesh and his wife built a shelter for children like their own in Uttarakhand- Bharti Devi Educational Society, a safe space for children with intellectual disabilities, autism and other special needs.

“When we visited the homes of some of these children, they were living in conditions worse than cattle. Families were unaware, helpless or frightened. I knew we had to do more than just teach; we had to protect and nourish them.”- Kamlesh Kumar, founder

So the shelter began providing not only education, but also nutrition, therapy and emotional support. Today, more than 50 children come here every day. They get the special education they need, dance, practice yoga, play instruments and simply live a life of care and dignity they once were denied.

Stories of change that keep Kamlesh going

A three-year-old girl was found with her hands and feet tied. She was covered in vomit, her limbs bruised blue from the ropes. She did not speak, did not make eye contact and vomited every half hour. After two years of dedicated therapy and care, she spoke her first words. 

An 8-year-old girl could not walk or even stand when she first came. She was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. With continuous physiotherapy and speech therapy, she can now stand with support, walk a little, and point at what she wants.

This shelter is bringing positive change to these kids, which otherwise would have never happened.

This shelter needs your support

Kamlesh lost his wife, the woman who had dreamt of this safe space with him. But it also made his fear more urgent: “What will happen to the children when I am gone?”

This fear fuels his mission. He wants to build a residential home so that even after he is no longer here, children like his son will have a safe place where they are loved, respected and cared for.

“The most vulnerable are specially abled girls. When I hear stories of abuse, it boils my blood and makes me helpless at the same time. I want to build a safe space for them and everyone whom I can shelter. I also need to build a reserve for my staff, so that these children will always get the education and care they need. Join me in building a future for these children.” - Kamlesh Kumar

Donate now! Help Kamlesh keep his dream alive.