RAJIV GANDHI Home for the Handicapped

Introduction	Aim	Present
Future Plans	About the Founder	Awards
	Contact Address

Last Updated On: February 18, 2002

Rajiv Gandhi Home for the Handicapped was started in 1996, especially for the deserted, orphan, young girls in society, who are handicapped, with no restriction to caste and creed.

The home commenced with just 3 girls with disability, with no funds from the Government of Pondicherry. Well wishers and friends came forward to help. Thus a small bud bloomed to a beautiful home.

Aim

There is always a silver lining amidst dark clouds. Many young girls and boys, born with disability or became handicapped due to ailment, termed as useless and good for nothing, in the society. They are made dependent in a family. R. G. H. H., gives a new ray of hope to the disabled who are frustrated in life-that deformity in a person is not an end to everything in life. There is nothing like that a disabled person has to sit in a corner of the house, or go begging to be self-sustained. On the other hand R. G. H. H., inculcates a desire and determination to live an independent life and earn equally as any normal person does. It develops willpower, motivation and positive attitude towards life.

At Present

R. G. H. H., has 30 girls who are physically handicapped. Free food, clothing and shelter are being provided. Of these, 13 girls, who have a desire to continue their education are sent to Government schools in Pondicherry, ranging from VIII to XII standards. They are transported from our Home to School and back by Autorickshaws (Auto).

How did we get this Auto? The Auto was donated by our generous benefactor, Hotel Surguru, Pondicherry, together with a well-wisher and Industrialist, Mr. Devarajan, who is based in Mumbai (Bombay). The rest of the girls are trained in Tailoring, Embroidery, Doll making and Basket weaving. The training is given by the Founder. A few other girls are sent to Women's Development Corporation and D. I. C., Government of Pondicherry, to undergo various training. On completion, the girls are awarded with Government Certificates. Some girls have been provided with tricycles which was received by way of donation from well wishers, and others were gifted with sewing machines. These girls were given a strong footing here for their future. They may go home as and when they gain confidence to be independent in living.

Apart from this, volunteers from Educational Groups come and teach girls, who are illiterate, for those who did not receive any basic education. Girls who are interested to pursue their education through correspondence are encouraged by R. G. H. H. It not only enhances the inmates' intellectual capacity, but also gives each individual self-confidence and determination. They get a good feeling, like "I can achieve the vision of my life."

Of course, basic facilities like dining, work hall and bedrooms with attached toilets have been provided for the inmates.

At present the home is placed in a rented building measuring 900 sq. ft. We have only limited space and the place is cramped. Many visually disabled approach us for a shelter, but due to lack of accommodation they are being refused.

We have a desire to start an industry in making "Agarbathi" (incense sticks) and similar products like candles and chalk in a small scale. We are on the job of processing with the concerned departments. But due to lack of space, the home has requested Government of Pondicherry and H. R. I., to donate their waste land. We are hoping by the grace of God, to get a building or land, after which we propose to have a full fledged handicraft unit that will provide jobs for many handicapped girls.

About the Founder

Ms. Kavitha, now aged 37 years, was attached by a illness "Myopathy", at the age of 15, which left her immobile. She was not able to use her hands and feet. At that time, she was doing her X standard in school. She went through lot of frustration and dejection. She lost hope in living because she felt useless to her parents and was an unwanted burden to the family. She felt that no one loved her due to her disability.

That is how she decided to share her thoughts with others and founded the Rajiv Gandhi Home for the Handicapped in Pondicherry. She would like to be a role model for the handicapped people and she wanted to prove that all can achieve the laurels in life, if all have the will-power and determination.

She saved whatever she had earned during the 15 years of her training period at the Home, together with an amount her mother had given, (which was meant for her marriage). She trains the girls in Tailoring, Embroidery, Doll making and Basket weaving. Today she is proud to say that many girls have developed well with good spirits. They have gained confidence and courage in all walks of their lives.

Awards

• State award for Best Home for Handicapped in Pondicherry, conferred by social welfare, Government of Pondicherry, on 3 December, 1998.
• State award for the best Individual running a Home for Handicapped in Pondicherry, on 3 December, 2000.
• Sadguru Gnana nanda National Award, Chennai on 16 February, 2001.
• Excellency Award by Karate Social Welfare
• Pondicherry trust conferred the title "Puduvai Theresa" on Ms. Kavitha, for outstanding contribution to the cause of society in the Union Territory of Pondicherry, on 10 July, 2001.
• Trophies and Shields from various organizations, including Junior Chamber club and Lions Club Mother City, Pondicherry.

Contact Address:
Rajiv Gandhi Home for the Handicapped
No 73, III Cross, Sakthi Nagar,
Saram, Pondicherry - 605 013
India
Phone: 91-(413)-2248443

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