Children playing in green playgrounds, participating in clubs and festivals, perhaps playing a game of something-or-other; these are images that pop into everyone’s mind when they think of childhood. When we are children, we perceive the world differently than we do as adults. A simple playground can easily turn into an amazing fantasy world with every turn of the corner presenting new adventurous challenges and fun.
Very often, however, disabled children do not get to experience even a small sampling of the childhood pleasures mentioned above. The need for special assistance can easily leave out a number of children. Participating in recreational activities can mean the world to any child, especially those with disabilities. Children learn not only social skills, but gain confidence and discover their own potential and hidden talents.
While there have always been a number of institutions working towards the educational needs of the disability community, they do not always provide recreational facilities due to lack of space and funds. Bal Kalyan Sanstha, Pune set out in 1979 to change this and with the help of schools, teachers, and government officials this idea was set into reality.
The need for recreational and cultural activities for disabled children was felt by the then social workers like Mrs. Santi Sadiq Ali (the then Governer’s wife), Mrs. Yamutal Kirloskar, Mrs. Latif, and other eminent social workers in Pune. With the help from the Government of Maharashtra Bal Kalyan Sanstha, Pune- A Recreational and Cultural Centre, came into light and was officially inaugurated on the 14th of November, 1983.
At its start, in the year 1983, there were only 13 specialized schools for disabled children in Pune. All the heads of these institutions became the members of the Trust and put forward their ideas and philosophy. Bal Kalyan was now in full swing with the first of its organized events being 2 to 3 day camps to help introduce all activities. Recreation and cultural development for the disability community was a new concept during this time period. Therefore the initial response was slow, but gradually children and specialized teachers started realizing the importance of such activities and what the effect they had on disabled children. Activities such as swimming, dance, music, and sports aid in not only the mental and physical health of a disabled child, they also help in the development of self-confidence and boost moral.
In August of the following year the first large-scale camping event was organized with 500 children in attendance from different institutions of Pune and Mumbai. Mrs. Latif, President of Bal Kalyan until 1995, has taken the keen interest in the development of the institution. Her informal visits to Bal Kalyan, get-togethers, and fun parties have made a tremendous impact in the mind of children.
Since 1983 attendance has grown and with Bal Kalyan situated in the middle of lush green lawns with beautifully maintained gardens, which have become a favorite spot for children to play in, it isn’t a wonder why this institution grew in popularity. Over the next few years the Bal Kalyan’s numbers increased as more specialized schools opened up in the surrounding areas. The center quickly became a necessity for the disabled population in and around Pune.
With more children in attendance the need for transportation services rose and in 1986 Bal Kalyan made an appeal to Tata Motors (Telco) for donating a bus. Tata responded positively by happily donating a 45-seater bus. The Sanstha now provides transportation when needed.
From the International Year of the disabled, 1981, Central and State Governments and NGO’s were running awareness programs for the rehabilitation, education, and recreational and cultural development of the disability community. The outputs of their efforts were seen after 10 years. In Pune, various Parents Associations of disabled children, new specialized schools, sheltered workshops, and Associations of the disabled were registered with the Government and Bal Kalyan realized to expand its activities by providing a common platform to them by organizing conferences, seminars, competitions for children, and providing aids and appliances to the needier disabled children.
Today Bal Kalyan provides recreational and cultural facilities for over 45 institutions. The number of children, which includes mentally challenged, visually and/or hearing impaired, orthopaedically handicapped, and spastic conditions, in attendance averages at 1200 to 1500 per week. Some of the more important activities, apart from daily activities, are refresher courses on State Level for specialized teachers and staff.
Current activities provided cover many areas of recreation and cultural development. All under the guidance of trained and qualified professionals, activities and events help children create and meet goals that provide boosts in self-development both mentally and physically. Quite a few of activities, such as swimming and the gymnasium, provide great exercise and therapy.
Organized competitions on the local and State level provide important challenges for the children. Art shows, musical events, indoor and outdoor games provide a fun and adventurous environment for everyone. Children have won medals and other prizes participating in these competitions.
The Sakal, Very Special Arts of India, New Delhi and Kshitij is among the popular events for the children as a large number of them have won medals and other prizes.
During the Ganpati Festival special musical programs are arranged for vocal and instrumental students.
Dance and drama events and competitions dazzle the community. Bal Kalyan’s dance and drama instructors train children from various specialized schools. Some of the more notable competitions organized by surrounding schools and other organizations are Umed Pariwar and Rotary & Lions Club.
Outdoor games like cricket and basketball are some of the common games children play. During the month of December at the National Sports Complex at Balewadi specialized coaching begins for some of the children who in turn get a change to compete in State and National competitions.
Many of the students have trouble spending long hours outdoors do to the sun so the Sanstha provides many indoor games such as table tennis, carom, chess specially for the blind.
A few favorite activities that children flock to are swimming in the well-maintained pool, great for cooling off on a hot day, dance, and outdoors games. Bal Kalyan truly is a warm and inviting haven for disabled children. With open space with trees and beautiful lawns, and a warm and loving staff, it isn’t such a wonder why Bal Kalyan Sanstha, Pune is held with such high regard in the eyes of the children, parents, and community.
