Hi, my name is Ashok Nanda. I am the founder secretary of Vikash, a non-governmental organization registered in 1986. My journey began not with a grand plan, but with a simple question: how can I bring light to those whom society has left in the shadows? I have devoted my life to working for Persons with Disabilities, tribal communities, and women in villages across Odisha. Our work spans from the coastal regions to the hilly tribal areas, where many marginalized communities still persist.
You might wonder, what inspired me to start helping children with disabilities? The answer is simple: humanity. Since 1984, I have been dedicated to supporting children with disabilities, especially those affected by leprosy. I had the privilege of working alongside Mother Teresa and her sisters during a time when persons affected with leprosy were abandoned, isolated, and forced to live far away from society. Back then, people believed leprosy was a contagious viral disease, and those affected were shunned and treated as outcasts.
In 1991, our organization expanded its mission to support not only Persons affected with leprosy but all categories of Persons with Disabilities. Even then, individuals with disabilities were considered inferior, and stigma surrounded them. I made a firm decision: no matter what, I must do something for Children with Disabilities because they suffer greatly, and very few understand or help them.
Surprisingly, in India, the number of children with intellectual disabilities such as cerebral palsy and autism exceeds those with physical disabilities. Yet, identifying these children is difficult due to late diagnosis, lack of awareness, and social stigma. Many parents hide their child’s condition to avoid discrimination. Often, elders attribute these disabilities to superstitions and try to “cure” them through rituals instead of seeking medical help including therapy & rehabilitation services. Tragically, when these children grow up, families sometimes see them as burdens and may even abandon them.
In villages and even in cities, the life of a financially strained family is tough. Limited resources and harsh living conditions make it difficult for families to provide proper care and nurture children with disabilities. This neglect only worsens their situation. But things are changing. Vikash has taken the initiative to improve the lives of children with disabilities. We help them heal, learn, and grow into independent individuals with dreams and dignity.
I recall the story of Subhashree, a girl from the nearby village of Khadisa in Puri district of Odisha. Diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy, she could barely walk, move, or sit without support. We worked with her for a long time, providing physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, behaviour management, and educating her family to support her. Today, she is a 23-year-old married woman with children and a family of her own. Seeing her live a life of pride and happiness fills us with immense joy. This success is thanks to our dedicated professionals, community workers and therapists who carefully assessed her condition and provided the best possible treatment.
Stories like Subhashree’s stand as a testament to how much children with disabilities can achieve when given the right support. It is high time that we, as humans, come together to help the helpless and create a kinder, more inclusive world. Let us be remembered not for our differences but for our humanity.