GRIT

PERSEVERANCE

SELF-BELIEF

Surmounting challenges...

Case stories of lives transformed

Every one of our students teaches us how we can overcome any hurdle in life. These are some of their stories.

We shall overcome

Stories of personal transformation and courage

RE-CONNECTING WITH SELF AND OTHERS

SAURABH

Saurabh was taken under Kshitij’s wings in 2017, from the BMC school for ‘special’ children. In spite of being on anti-epileptic medication, he learned stencil painting, block printing, and chocolate making, with training and guidance. The pandemic proved a setback for him. He became slow and lost his confidence. We learned he had been prescribed anti-anxiety medication and worked with his doctors to taper his dosage. He was also provided counseling and support in communication. With timely intervention, Saurabh is today a confident young man.

SPREADING JOY WITH HIS ART AND SONG

RAJIV

Rajiv joined Kshitij in 1997 as one of the founders’ wards, as an initially shy boy. There has been a significant improvement in his communication and leadership skills since. Proficient in the art of block printing, Rajiv enjoys working on handicrafts. Besides being an enthusiastic swimmer and cyclist, Rajiv is a generous individual who believes in sharing his items. He is also happy to regale his audience with his hobby of singing.

TRIUMPHING OVER ALL ODDS

BARUN

Barun joined Kshitij in 2014 facing multiple challenges like autism, myopathy, Brugada syndrome, and cardiac arrest at a young age. Fond of sports, music, and movies, Barun can recall accurately the names of movies, star casts, directors, singers, etc. With training and patient guidance at Kshitij, Barun has learned beading, painting diyas, and making envelopes and paper bags. Persistent use of our visual schedules has brought about a major improvement in his anxiety levels. Barun now loves a good laugh and eagerly awaits attending our workplace!

HAPPY TO CHANGE

HETAL

Hetal is an adult with Down's Syndrome and a beaming smile. Joining Kshitij in 1999, she has shaped into a meticulous worker, skilled at painting diyas, stringing beads, and helping with chocolate and cookie making. A strong personality, she used to find it difficult to cope with change and instructions. Behaviour techniques used consistently by her teachers helped in tackling her challenges and learning new skills. She now functions in a disciplined way in the workplace even as she continues to bring her own sunshine with her!

TRIUMPHANTLY TAKING THE JOURNEY TO SELF-SUSTENANCE

VIKRAM

"Vikram is a Hindi movie buff, a big Shahrukh and Salman Khan fan," says his sister. Vikram joined Kshitij in 1997 as one of the founders’ wards. Here, he learned to communicate effectively, fine-tuning his motor skills and creative abilities. This has helped him carry out his daily tasks with greater ease. Today his biggest achievement is to travel by himself in a taxi to Kshitij or to his friend’s place. He shops on his own, buys household items, and handles money to pay for purchases.

EXPLORING ONESELF THROUGH SWIMMING, FASHION AND FOOD

RADHIKA

Joining Kshitij in 2000 with a major intellectual disability, Radhika learned to read with persistent training. She mastered life skills like taking care of her house, and warming her own food, and has even stayed alone at home without supervision. She loves to make handcrafts and chocolates. Today, she introduces herself as an animal lover, a foodie, a movie buff, and above all, a Special Olympics swimming gold medallist in 1999!

LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FUTURE

NIREN

Niren joined Kshitij in 1997 as one of the founders’ wards. Over this period he has specialized in block printing. His father playing a pivotal role as his primary companion, came as a shock to Niren when his father passed away. Sad and lonely, he started grieving in front of his photograph. With counseling, he found a safe space to express his grief. A combined effort by the counselor, teacher, and his mother, kept Niren engaged in daily activities thereby reducing his idle time and negative thoughts. Over time he learned to manage his feelings. He no longer views his father’s photograph with grief. Rather, he seeks his blessings every day!

A SUCCESSFUL BATTLE OF OVERCOMING FEARS

AMEYA

Ameya joined Kshitij in 2013 with a lot of inexplicable fears - of heights, noise, cats and dogs, going to the washroom, and the like. Panic-stricken, he would scream loudly. With patient counseling by therapists and positive affirmations, Ameya has overcome his fears. Today he loves to read the newspapers, watch TV, and helps his mother with cleaning or cooking. He enjoys attending Kshitij, especially his weekend classes in music and yoga.

A JOURNEY TOWARDS ADAPTABILITY

RESHMA

Reshma came to Kshitij in 2001. After the combined efforts of teachers and her family, she is well-adjusted to her daily life and the activities at Kshitij. She participates in making gift articles, memorabilia and stationery items. She is friendly with others and works very well. She loves to dance and her speciality is doing the Naagin dance (snake dance), which she performs full of joy and enthusiasm, even if there is no music!

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