Bal Kalyan Sanstha, Pune: A Unique History
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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.