Bal Kalyan Sanstha, Pune: A Unique History
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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.