Sangopita "A Special Home For Special Children"
They say that life has no real purpose. It is we humans who have a purpose and we bring it to life. The phrase ‘differently-abled’ or ‘specially-abled’ instigates a sense of sympathy in most of us. To be treated equally like every other individual is a basic wish across humankind and this is exactly what we are denying by showing mere sympathy to a challenged section of the society. Ravindra and Sujata Sugwekar, the founder of Sangopita, have slightly different outlook towards the specially-abled.
Ravindra and Sujata Sugwekar, founded Sangopita, to care for children with special needs
Sangopita is a place where love transcends boundaries, where the purest form of care nurtures the souls of 62 extraordinary individuals. This haven is a sanctuary of warmth, hope and a beacon of unwavering dedication and selflessness brought to life by the Sugwekars.Their saga began when they lost their 1st child at birth and their 2nd child Akshay was diagnosed with cerebral palsy but they struggled to find a holistic care for him
"We understand the difficulties that parents with ' special' children face. We've been through it. Akshay, our son, is the light of our lives...His faith in us is what has lead us to care for 62 special needs children today. Our sole purpose in life is to provide excellent care for them." Ravindra Sugwekar
In 2003, Sangopita emerged on a one-acre plot near Badlapur, providing a holistic upbringing for children with disabilities.
Ravindra and Sujata Sugwekar, guardians of this sanctuary, have woven their life's fabric with threads of love and resilience. This elderly couple from Thane, despite the terrible death of one child during childbirth, persevered, finding fortitude in caring for their surviving son, Akshay, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
In their sanctuary, they are nurturing over 60+ special talents by providing them with education and most importantly a feeling of inclusion.
Born prematurely at 6.5 months, Akshay fought for life on a ventilator for an entire month. In the face of this challenging start, Sujata, the resilient mother, dedicated the next seven years to carrying Akshay on her back in crowded trains from Badlapur to Parel to help daily battles for his therapy. She persisted, hoping for more than just survival for her own child. Her dream was to create a haven for all children with special needs, a place where dreams are nurtured and independence blooms.
These special kids are hyperactive and need 2-3 caretakers to help them in their daily activities
Every day, this remarkable couple wakes up with a purpose greater than themselves. They don't just provide food and shelter; they give these children a home, a family, and a reason to smile. They have taken the role of parents for these special children.They ensure each child's unique needs are met with tenderness and care. Every child here is embraced with holistic care, where their disabilities do not define them, but rather, where their potential is cultivated.
"We want these children to become independent by the time they are 18. At the same time, we are letting their parents live their lives. We hope that we can help more people." - Sujata Sugwekar.
They can't even go to the bathroom on their own & often wet themselves
These special kids are hyperactive and need 2-3 caretakers to help them in their daily activities but without sufficient funds, it is difficult to pay them. Additionally, these kids require specialized attention and support due to their unique needs. They can't even go to the bathroom on their own & often wet themselves. Without adequate funding, it becomes challenging to provide the level of care and assistance that these special kids require daily.
When Ravindra cleans these children people often ask don't you feel ashamed & disgusted to which he replies with a smile why should I, " They are my children, I have to care for them"
Today, unfortunately, they are struggling to continue running the home because of lack of funds.
But today, this sanctuary faces the grim reality of financial hardship. The Sugwekars have poured their heart, soul, and every penny they possess into the sustenance of this haven. They've exhausted their resources in a tireless effort to provide a better life for these remarkable individuals. They turn to us, to you, to everyone whose heart beats with compassion and empathy. Sangopita needs our collective support to ensure the continuity of its invaluable services. The funds are not merely for sustenance; they are for dreams, education, nourishment, and medical care – the very essence of a life lived with dignity and hope.
Your involvement isn't merely a gesture; it's a lifeline for these vulnerable souls. Please support.
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Registration Number - AAOCM6666MF20229
EIN 20-5139364