SUCCESS STORIES

In March 2016, Komal moved to the “Blessings” program. She is now able to hold objects like thick pen, paint brush, spoon etc. She is now learning to eat food by her own and has started taking care of her personal belongings. She is now able to recognise basic colours and common fruits. Komal has shown interest in Dance and Yoga, follows the instructions of the teacher carefully and actively participates in the activities.

She is turning out to be an outgoing and confident person. Recently she participated in a dance competition organized at state level for special children and was one of youngest participant. Her performance was highly appreciated by judges and organizers. She has no fear of performing on stage in front of a large audience. Her progress is a source of joy and encouragement for the entire Khushboo staff.

Khushboo’s special educators and therapist analyzed his challenges a plan was created which involves providing regular Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy and Special Education. The focus was on providing training on ADLs to make child self- dependent. Now with regular intervention of special educators and physio therapy he is able to walk with the help of rollater and he is also able to maintain standing position independently for 7-10 seconds. He is now able to sit, stand in upright posture which indicates overall improvement in muscle tone. He is also able to perform activities in sitting position without any physical assistance. His left upper limbs strength is improving as he is using it for performing few activities like picking up.Training to Ravishanker’s parent has also been given by Khushboo’s special educators to guide and monitor the child at home.
At academics level he has started to do scribbling with thick crayon colors and performs action with rhymes.
He recognizes his family, teachers and classmates. He also speaks few words like “Mama, Papa, Dedo and Ma’am”. He also enjoys playing with ball and throws the ball
He is now moved to the ‘Blessings’ program. This program is designed for children of age group between 6-18 years of age who have been identified as "Educable".

It was told that he would have mental retardation. Thus, it was not so easy bringing him up with his mental challenges.The boy and his mother used to stay in a Bihar village.He was sent to a normal school of the village but was not able to cope up. Since the father worked in Gurugram, he was brought While looking for a place where his child could learn activities of daily living he was recommended to visitKhushboo. He found Khushboo’slife skills as well as other therapeutic services where his child could be meaningfully engaged.He was thus admitted at Khushboo..

The First Day at Khushboo

As per the standard procedures his total analysis was done.Aaditya was assessed extensively by our diagnostic and perspective team.His challenges were noticed and recorded.Like all other special kids, Aditya’s progress was guided by a functional checklist, which aims at a three-month goal for bringing improvement. It was noticed that Aaditya had problems with hindi alphabets. Though he could write them but pronunciation was a major problem, making it difficult for even parents to comprehend at times. His communication skills and social skills were also not age appropriate.Though he was growing up, enabling such a child adjust among other normal kids was quite a task.

The special educators prepared a strategy and development plan based on his needs. Initially making him do even basic things was a struggle for the special educators. At the same time it was difficult for the special educatorsas to understand his accent initially.

Step-by-step – the Road to Personality Development

Aditya was observed to be a shy guy who wascomfortable only talking to his family elders, like he used to interact with his grandparents back in Bihar. Khushboo staff first enquired from his parents about his likings and disliking before charting out a plan to train himin daily chores.It was decided to first make him comfortable with peer group and let him get introduced to a new world.

Besides strengthening his inter-personal skills, he was exposed to various activities that interest him.

Since he had difficulty in pronouncing big names, he was trained to break long sounding names and then try it. This is how learnt how to pronounce his father’s name – Dha-Nan-Jay –Singh.

Later on his capabilities were enhance and was exposed to sporting activities and gradually taken out for contests.There he was taught to take care of one’s belongings. With time, he was trained in such a way that he feels confident in the absence of his special educator also. He started feeling at ease with his coach as well and with other peers during his camps or visits to far off places as well.

Aditya’sChallenges, Progress, and Success…

It was realized that if sustained efforts are put in computers specially the multimedia comprising of coreldraw, photoshop and paintbrush he can become a champion. A special teacher was engaged and he was trained in multimedia. “Since we have special wide keyboard and ipad we started things here slowly for him and then he was taught how to tackle computer in a proper classroom. He gradually learnt and developed it quite impressively,” says his special educator Lalti Devi.

Career-related skills

Aditya has done a computer-related course. It was of three years. He scored first position once during the course and won Gold Medal. It was an eye-opener for me as I never thought he could win it, says his father. Development in Enabling Environment

Khushbooprovides Vibro-gym facility in its physio therapydepartmentwhich helps in exercising every body part from hand, legs, spinal to everything and helps to strengthen his muscles. It actually activates every nerve .This has helped him to achieve awards and medals in supports.. Aditya is undergoing this for over one-and-a-half year.

According to Aditya’s special educator, to ensure that these special kids don't lag behind present-day normal students, best efforts were put in place to provide him modern-day gadgets to learn new things. He has been also trained to call by using others’ cellphone. Today, he can comfortably use android phone.

Sports – Discovery of New Horizon of Aditya

Since Aditya was exposed to various sports activities every day, he developed confidence and today participates in various contests as well. “He took part in National championships of Basketball. He has even won bronze in Special Olympics. He won two gold medals (Nov’18 National Championship held at Bengaluru Floor Ball Gold Medal and Nov’18 National Championship held at Patiala Floor Hockey Gold Medal) and various other medals as well.

Games helped Aditya’s overall development. We tried enabling him to perform a bit ofyoga or running in the open space before he would enter his classroom. Today, his sports coach trains him for an hour a day. During championships times, this training may stretch to two hours, says the special educatorLalti Devi.

The Progress Chart

On the first day, Aditya could recite counting up to 10. Today, he can do it up to 1,000 in straight or reverse order without any discomfort. He has been trained to manage how to even purchase things from market which he can comfortably do up to Rs 1,000.

Aditya’s Overall Personality and Steady Improvement

“Today, if we give him any list to buy things from the market, he can manage it perfectly without anyone's assistance. However, he finds it hard to prepare a list of grocery items,” says his special educator.

“Today, Aditya manages to pronounce common words or messages which involve two-three words i.e. "GharChal", "NalPerJa". However, he can do multiplication, addition or subtraction. He doesn’t have any such difficulty in this,” the special educator adds

Initially, Aditya would never step out of his home. But he gradually gained confidence withKhushboo’s special educators during the night camps organised by the Khusbhoofor sharpening of skills on different occasions. Being special educators they could understand what such a child needed and how it needed to be taught to him in a convenient manner. “We would take him a bit far away just as a joyful walk. We made him stay back at times during his State-level sports contests,” says the special educator. Asked if there were any problems while taking him for sports competitions, Lalita Devi said “Not exactly.” The teachers were supposed to just inform him location of washroom or bathroom and he would manage himself well thereafter. Today, he doesn’t require anyone’s assistance. He goes to participate in national competitions with other coaches. There are coaches from different schools or NGOs. He has learnt to manage himself.

A 360 Degree Transformation

Over the years, Aditya has transformed so much in different spheres. Instead of seeking help, he has started helping others. He doesn’t hesitate in “bringing some particular child from some class to OPD or even helping that child lie down on a machine with care or lift that child in a particular way or even leaving that child back in his classroom”.

He manages such activities without much hassle. He even helps kids in climbing up or down from vans or bus. Describing his mind as a proverbial fresh slate, Lalita Devi says “Whatever we tell him, he just starts following that.”

According to his special educator, once he is comfortable with anyone he would narrate even an entire story. Otherwise, he speaks in a limited manner.

Aditya’s Dreams

Asked what he wants to do in future, Aditya said: “Games”. He said he feels happy being at Khusbhoo and loves to play there. Though he doesn’t speak normally but he understands normal talks just like any other normal child. His monosyllabic replies to question can leave anyone emotive since also knowing how far this boy has travelled in life to reach this stage of understanding and responding.

A word from - Khushboo Staff

AnjanaRani Supervisor and Special Educator

As a person, he has a quite calm personality, obedient to the core, and very sincere in whatever is assigned to him. He greets everyone from peon to the faculty members just as he enters Khushboo everyday in the morning.He enjoys being with his friends here and understands how to behave in the presence of his educators. It is delighting to watch him participate in state and national-level contests after having shown consistent improvement in games like floor-hockey, handball, and basketball. He has varying interests in activities such as art and craft, and dancing. He enjoys it all.”

Vijay Pal -Director- Program

Aditya Kumar is a child with mental retardation. He was a drop out from mainstream school due to his sub-average intellectual functioning and adaptive skills. At the time of his admission in Khushboo, he needed help for dressing and grooming. His communication skills and social skills were also not age appropriate. Today, he is fully independent in all the activities of daily living (including dressing and grooming) and can take care of himself. He has learnt to do simple mathematic calculations. He has even successfully passed an 18-month ‘Ability Enhancement Multimedia Programme’ certified from AIMS Multimedia. He has learnt Basics of Computer, Coral Draw, Photoshop and other advanced computer programme as a part of the course curriculum.” Today, being a much disciplined and socially very well-behaved child, he is looked upon as a role model for other children at this NGO. He has also represented in State and National level sports competitions and has won many Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals in the Team and Athletic events such as at the May’17 State Games held at Hissar Netball, Bronze Medal; Nov’17 National Championship held at Agra Handball, Bronze Medal; Oct’18 State Games held at Sonipat Floor Hockey, Bronze Medal, Nov’18 National Championship held at Bengaluru Floor Ball, Gold Medal; Nov’18 National Championship held at Patiala Floor Hockey, Gold Medal, he adds.

Evidently, today Aditya has acquired immense potential to scale better heights in sports with proper support and guidance.

In the Words of Aditya’sparents

His father says initially it was devastating to know that our child is mentally challenged. Now after getting admitted to Khushboo we feel relieved that he is meaningfully engaged. His mother says I was literally shattered when I came to know of my son’s conditionIt was quite difficult to come to terms with my son's condition. Moreover he has not only become self-reliant but also extends helping hand at home. But the parents dream is to see him now playing at international platforms. They want people to see their child is not just special but distinct.

Budding worries

Soon enough, at home, his family noticed that little Vipin had problems while moving. He could not sit on his own nor could walk. He began controlling his neck and sitting on his own at the age of 5-6 years, when most are able to do so within their first year of birth. Little Vipin was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and mental retardation. Understandably, Vipin’s parents Mukesh and Baby were devastated. Though his family including his elder brother and younger sister took care of Vipin’s special needs, it was still taxing for his mother. A new pant-shirt he had put on got dirtied in few minutes, as Vipin crawled on all his fours to get her attention; he could not call out to her. Vipin was now eight years old, but he needed to be hand-fed, taken to toilet and put to bed. All he could say was ‘mama’, ‘papa’, ‘didi.’ As a growing boy it wasn’t easy to lift him anymore. More so Vipin’s tantrums grew on being shut inside the house. His parents worried over his safety did not let him go out. The situation was not easy for anybody in the house. Even the extended family members, such as Vipin’s tauji, fretted. Questions arose in their minds: what will happen when he grows, what will he do, how will he live, who will take care of him? So many anxieties troubled them night and day.

Khushboo in their lives

But at the right time, the right help arrives. In 2008, Vipin was eleven, when an acquaintance of his father suggested he take Vipin to Khushboo, a school that could help them. Mukesh carried his boy in his arms and walked into Khushboo the very next day. To be out of home and into in this new place, filled with people and laughter delighted Vipin. While his father explained Vipin’s background and their problems to the counsellor, Vipin eagerly looked around and gestured his joy to his father. After a considerable time of enquiry, explanations, and evaluation, Vipin’s father admitted his child at Khushboo. His father then felt, “We got some relief, and it is time-pass for him.”

(Pic of Vipin/children in class with Interactive board and other assistive devices/ using iPad)
Now, a new Khushboo entered into their lives. A whole team at Khushboo including special educators, speech therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, doctors, along with dance, games, yoga, computer teachers got together to frame a progression plan for Vipin and set a goal for him: to be independent in life. Vipin now had his task laid out in front of him. The first step involved getting to know alphabets and numbers. Not a rote learner, Vipin found it easy when his teachers brought ideas to life. A big Interactive screen grabbed his attention when he saw groups of birds flying or a single bird tweeting, he understood the meaning of one to many. Cartoons and colourful pictorial apps added joy to his learning. Vipin had a sharp mathematical mind and it has been further honed by doing calculations on school iPads and tablet. Life Skills and mobility worried his parents all the more.

At Crossroads

Vipin was delighted when he got a rollator from Khushboo, a four legged walker with wheels. He could now be mobile. But, unexpectedly Vipin stopped coming to school. Worried, the staff visited his house to know what had happened, why wasn’t Vipin coming to school? There they saw the rollator pushed back high on the shelf in one of the rooms, and Vipin looking mopey. The very mobility that thrilled Vipin worried his parents to death. So, no more rollator. “If something happens to him, then what will we do,” was his mother’s reply. The visiting staff said, “Now he is small, at this age it is okay for you to button his shirt and do other things for him, abhi baccha hai. But he will soon grow and very things that you now do will cause you frustration. Bees saal ka ho gya hai, kab karega apne shirt ka button band, will then be your angst

At that juncture of crossroads in Vipin’s life; his tauji came to his aid. Realising how much Vipin missed his school and friends he got Vipin admitted again, and volunteered to drop and pick him up at the school bus-stop. His tauji and Khushboo worked on Vipin’s parents’ mind-set patiently and consistently. The result: Vipin returned with even more enthusiasm. He determinedly followed the instructions given by his physiotherapist.” (Pic of Vipin in physiotheraphy class)

Nurturing the bud

(Pic of Vipin or children in kitchen/ ADL room)

It was now time for Vipin to graduate into learning the skills of daily living and basic money management. A separate room near the second floor classroom has a neatly laid out table, an iron board and cabinet full of clean bedcovers, and a bed kept at one side of the room. A kitchen section houses the sink, cutlery and two gas stoves for the students to make tea, Maggi, shell and cut vegetables. After eating lunch and helping other finish theirs, Vipin and his friends make it a priority to clean up the tables. And to attend the call of nature, Vipin either gestures or at times goes to the toilet unassisted. One occupational activity that Vipin loved and still does is to pull off the marigolds from garlands that arrive in heaps from temples. He keenly sifts out yellow from orange marigolds. His friends cut off the petals with scissors and the piles of petals are left to dry. The dried flowers are sent off to a local NGO to make gulal. Later, the gulal that is packed by students and sold on festivals adds its own khushboo and colour to the school festivities. (Pic of students playing holi)

His age 16 report card read, “He is now able to go up and down the ramp, and climb in and out of the bus on his own.” United and determined efforts from Vipin, his family and Khushboo has transformed a reserved child into an exuberant mover! Vipin now zips around in electric wheel chair procured by Khushboo for children’s benefit. He zooms in the wheel chair confidently carrying the attendance register from one class to another. The teachers mark the attendance, and Vipin returns the register back to school office after completing his tour of classes. He so loves the wheel chair, that his father noticing Khushboo’s action and his joy at the mobility it offered, bought him a battery operated wheel-chair! At home too, Vipin zips off in the evenings to the local market to have his favourite cream roll or burger. Vipin learnt at school how to manage money. His mother smilingly says, “I give Rs. 50 to buy snacks. If he spends Rs. 30, the remaining Rs. 20 he keeps in his wheelchair pocket, and does not give me back. So that he can buy some more rolls the next day with his extra pocket money!” (Pic of Vipin in wheel chair)

The Blossoming Promise

Vipin’s smartness is ably assisted with the advanced technology that Khushboo keeps ushering in, it has helped him keep up with changing technology. He has fed the numbers of family and friends into his mobile along with their photos. And with a press of button, he happily calls them. Now aged 19, Vipin is one of the blossoming stars of his school. His tech savviness is to be seen to be believed. The bright, airy and white washed walls of the computer class reflect the light bouncing off the happy and confident students. Through the large, square glass windows on classroom doors one can see how Vipin is interacting with his peers and teacher, and working on his desktop without disturbing them or his classmates. This is one of the features of Khushboo that parents love; transparency. (Pic of Vipin in computer class/ collage of logos and ads)

In his computer class, Vipin uses Corel Draw on his desktop to make professional logos and advertisements. He along with five other friends compete with each other to finish a given task. It’s a race against time, and this teaching of treating them as any normal individual, has enabled Vipin and his friends to win awards. One such computer competition was organised by a NGO, Very Special Arts India. For the competition Vipin had carried his special keyboard and mouse bought by Khushboo’s staff from Ash Field Academy, UK where they had gone for training; to keep up with the latest technology and knowledge advancements in the field of special education. At that computer competition the organisers hailed not only Vipin’s abilities but also of Khushboo’s assistive aids. They suggested to other schools to follow Khushboo in spreading the fragrance of care, concern, compassion. Ask Khushboo and they say: “ We started in 1995, in a rented room with just ten children. Today we have our own campus area with a range of infrastructure facilities for more than hundred students and their families. In our journey with Khushboo, we have achieved many milestones. Khushboo is showing a light on the possibilities that those with

The same sentiment is expressed by Vipin’s father, who now encourages him most: “Vipin loves his school so much that he gets upset during long holidays. He loves going to Khushboo. I am happy he is studying at Khushboo. Vipin has not only become a computer whiz, but is more social and we can understand his needs better.” An apple of his parents eye, adored by his siblings and watched over by his huge dog Chulbul, Vipin has dreams of opening a Mother Dairy shop. With his skills in computers and money management, his parents are comforted about his future.(Pic of Vipin and family)

Vijay Rana, business partner of Vipin’s father defines it succinctly, “There is a big change in Vipin. Around 8-10 years back before joining Khushboo, he was nervous, agitated and simply did not move about, but after joining Khushboo, he has improved tremendously, be it his social skills, computer awareness, motor abilities and living life in general. There is 90% improvement. Yeh bohj nahin hain, kuch bhi kar sakte hain. They are not a burden, they can do anything.”

The little boy baby who did not cry at birth, joined school as a reserved child; ten years later - now as young man with his promising abilities is making others sing praises of him and his Khushboo.

(Pic of Vipin with his classmates, teachers and staff)

As Khushboo says: We shall overcome…

If one goes by the first impression, DeepanshuRatra, a child enrolledat Khushboo for more than 15 years,comes across as a disciplined, well-groomed and active individual. This goes against the typical image one would have of a differently abled person.He makes a special trip to the center to share his journey at Khushboo, which is currently operating an onlineprogramme due to COVID-19 pandemic.He is fully aware of precautions to be taken,is wearing a neatuniform,a mask and is carrying a small bottle of sanitizer. One can even notice his conscious efforts of maintaining social distance with his brother who’s sitting on a chair next to him. “He’s very attentive and alert whenever he steps out of the house these days,” chips in Deepanshu’s elder brother Harish Ratra as he reveals how he is often scolded by the younger sibling for overlooking safety norms. “Fearing his pointing out,mostly our family wears mask,” he quips.

TOUGHCHILDHOOD

For Harish, it is a surreal transformationof his 24 years old brother over the years. From somebody who would need assistance at every step to now becoming a helping hand for everybody around him, Deepanshu has come a long way. “He was infected with jaundice a few days after his birth, which eventually caused ‘athetoid cerebral palsy’ and major hearing loss,” Harish says. Symptoms started showing up soon. Deepanshu found it difficult to control his body and developed involuntary writhing movements in hands, fingers and legs. He was totally dependent on others to even manage toileting. In a hope to find ‘cure’, his father, despite struggling to make ends meet, had to run from pillar to post. “We didn’t have money, no resources. We still visited several hospitals in Delhi, Gururgram, Faridabad, Rewari… met many doctors, but to no avail. As Deepanshu grew up, it had become difficult to carry him in the arms,” says Harish. With nothing else visible,the family wished for a divine intervention. Frequent trips to religious sites were made;hawans and pujawere performed by babas. But nothing helped.

RAY OF HOPE

A chanced introduction to Khushboo by an acquaintance was a turning point in Deepanshu and his family’s life. In April 2003, as 7-year-old, helanded at Khushboo’s premise along with his mother. At the time of admission, his challenges were highly complex and extensive. He required assistance with every aspect of life from managing personal care to communication and feeding.“After detailed assessment by our multidisciplinary team, a development plan was drawn for him.It was shared as well as explainedto his parents as it needed their participation as well. As a part of the development plan,he was put on extensive physiotherapy routine,” recalls Vijay Pal, Director,Programme, Khushboo. The family was given the comfort that no monthly fee would be charged,keeping in mind their financial condition.

With the sincere involvement of Khushboo’s teachers, physiotherapists, psychiatrist and other occupational therapists, Deepanshu started responding to the interventions. Today, after consistent efforts of close to two decades, he has grown up to be an exuberant personality, fondly looked uponas the ‘Pride of Khushboo’. He can now walk on his own and independently manage activities of daily living. He has also learnt to do simple mathematical calculations. He has passedan 18 months ‘Ability Enhancement Multimedia Program’ certified from AIIMS Multimedia, and has also learnt Coral Draw, Photoshop and other advanced computer programmes as a part of the course curriculum. He can recognize time upto hours. “Now he is able to guide his classmates at the Center. He has also started helping fellow students in solving computer problems,” something which is even recorded in Khushboo’s annual assessment report.

KING OF KITCHEN

In Khushboo’s kitchen, Deepanshu is an outstanding performer. His cooking and catering skills have earned him awhole lot of fans. He has been trained to make some delicious Indian and European dishes. He can cook staple Indian khichdi, pulao, mataraloo, daal, tamataraloo, saboodaaneki khichdi, pasta, sandwiches to name a few. “He is a quick learner. It is not easy to put ingredients in the right quantity when you are cooking for 3-4 people but he gets it right mostly. He takes feedback seriously. Hameshaaakarpuchega kami kuyahai… namakyacheenikamtohnahihai (He would always enquire if there was any shortcoming in his cooking… less salt or sugar). He wants to improve,” shares Madhu Chauhan, teaching assistant.

SPORTY SPIRIT &LEADERSHIP

Chandveer Barak, Special Educator, Sports, calls Deepanshu a ‘true sportsman in spirit’. “He tries hard to push his limits even though he is uncomfortable due to physical limitations,” he says. Deepanshu has got varied interest in sports. He loves running, football, cricket, hockey, carrom,bocce balletc, and has fetched many laurels at State and National levels in almostall of them. What impresses the sports trainer most about the ‘special champion’is his professional behavior when they travel out of station to play games. “He becomes an excellent commander and a follower at the sametime. He follows instructions carefully and ensures others don’t slip out either. He is willing to help other children in need or otherwise. He assists them in taking food, toileting and addressing grievances. In case of injury, he will be hyper active inassistingthe attending expert. In case there’s no warden at that time, we give him the responsibility to take care of the team,” saysChandveer. Deepanshu has often surprised his teachers and family with his enthusiasm and perseverance. While Chandveer wonders “how he rolls the ball so smoothly in bocce ball or manages wicket-winning bowling in cricket”, brother Harish is yet to win a Carrom match against him.

ITERPERSONAL SKILLS

Deepanshu is calleda social butterfly by Shashi Bala, a programmesupervisor at Khushboo.This compliment describes an intense journey of a boy from being recluse and helpless to a talkative and confident individual. “He could barely speak or walk when he came to Khushboo. Today, he has a friend circle of boys and girls and he loves mingling around with them.I feel so happy when I find him discussing about his teachers and family with his friends, like any regular student in other schools,” says Shashi. In order to further sharpen interpersonal skills of the children, the supervisors encourage them to communicate messages and hold conversations. This boosts confidence and improves social skills. “Deepanshu volunteers to help other children communicate better. He informs teachers what they are trying to convey,” says Shashi.

NOBILITY & ABILITY

Deepanshu has carved a niche for himself with his generous, selfless attitude. While at school, he is supportive to other students, at home, he is busy caring for his ailing mother, and has taken overmost of duties. Courtesy his multidisciplinary training involving Gastronomy, Home Management and Housekeeping at Khushboo, he is able to play helpful role in everyday chores at home. “Honestly, we are dependent on him,” confides a smiling brother, calling Deepanshu “backbone of the family”. “Our mother has not been well for a long time. So he takes care of everything, right from buying groceries to managing kitchen. He’s a fantastic cook as well as a good bargainer,” he adds. Deepanshu often takes pride in buying things at cheaper prices. Last November, his mother was admitted to hospital for almost a month. His brother attended to the hospital while Deepanshu took over charge of the home. “Now that she is back, he ensures she is at ease. He goes out to buy medicines, milk etc, and makes evening tea for her,” says Harish. With time, Deepanshu has become fully aware of financial constraints. He has been saving up his disability pension(this was facilitated by Khushboo) which he now independently collects from the authorities.

LAYING THE ROADMAP FOR FUTURE

His challenges couldn’t come in the way of Deepanshu’s desire to dream of a better and secure future. He wants to set up a shoe store in Gurugram. Preps have already begun. His free time goes into researching shoe types, wholesale manufacturing, retail prices and latest designs. “I’ll buy them from Delhi,” saysa charged Deepanshu, the moment brother Harish brings up the subject. He has been watching YouTube videos on shoe business and regularly hands over a list of contact numbers to Harish to check on latest developments in the market. “In a year or two, when my father is retired from his work, we will definitely try to establish a footwear business,” hopes Harish. It is a gratifying moment for everybody at Khushboo that Deepanshu Rawat is gradually maturing into an independent adult who is willing not only to take charge of his own life but also become a support to people around him. It takes years of hardwork,dedication,discipline, perseverance,commitment and determination to reach such a stage. IN THE WORDS OF FAMILY

MahipalRatra, Father

It was a challenge to cope with our son’s illness. We did everything possible to find a cure. For the first few years, he was not able to sit and walk. It affected us emotionally and financially. However, Khushboo became our guiding light at the right time. Their efforts of years have been full of promises and growth. We decided not to visit any hospital after Deepanshu enrolled at Khushboo. Today, he is a man of skills and a great help. He is craving for a self-reliant future. He wants to apply for a loan and establish his shoe business. I will try my best to assist him in his future endeavours.

Virender Manchanda, Maternal Uncle

I have closely followed the struggle of Deepanshu’s family. The parents were stressed financially but didn’t give up on their son. Fortunately, his admission at Khushboo changed their life for good. He has been trained to manage all regular things on his own. He is also of a support system to his mother, who has not been keeping well for a long time. I can say we had never imagined Deepanshu would grow up to be an almost independent person. He is a different human being than what he was 10 years ago. There’s a zest in him to live life and tap his own potential despite apparent challenges.