Hyphenated-Homestead

Part 5: Now is the Time: A Visit to अब -Normal Home

If you are binge reading, please carry on. If you just landed here from internet ether, I request to start reading from the top (Part 1)

This time during my visit, I had the opportunity to witness something truly remarkable—my sister-in-law Kishori Pathak’s dedication to running अब -Normal Home, a rehabilitation and development center for special children in Pune. (अब Normal Home Website Link)

Founded in 2013 in the Gandhi Bhavan Campus, Kothrud, अब – Normal Home is more than just a school. It’s a nurturing space where children with intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, autism, learning disorders, Down syndrome, and ADHD receive personalized attention and education tailored to their unique needs. Unlike many institutions that cater to only one type of disability, अब – Normal Home embraces an inclusive, mixed-group approach, ensuring that every child gets the support they require to grow and thrive.

One of the most inspiring aspects of their work is the annual skill development workshop held after Diwali. This event not only fosters learning but also builds confidence among the children, giving them an opportunity to present their ideas in front of a diverse audience. For years, I had only heard about these workshops, but this time, my visit aligned perfectly with their latest event in late November, themed around sports.

Each year, they carefully select a theme that reflects significant global or national events, ensuring that the children stay informed and engaged with the world around them. This year, with the Summer Olympics taking place in France, they chose ‘Sports’ as the central theme—encouraging the children to learn about international events and feel connected to larger global conversations. Similarly, last year’s theme was ‘Ramayan,’ aligning with the historic inauguration of the Ram Mandir in India, allowing the children to explore cultural heritage alongside contemporary discussions

Being there in person was an eye-opener. The enthusiasm of the children, the dedication of the teachers and staff, and the support from the audience created an atmosphere of joy, encouragement, and sheer determination. It was a moment of immense pride to see the impact of my sister-in-law’s work firsthand. The energy in the whole campus was contagious, reminding us that with the right opportunities and encouragement, these children can carve out independent lives for themselves.

Rather than me trying to put it all into words, I encourage you to watch these two videos that truly capture how this skill development workshop went this year:

📹 Watch on Facebook (quick 3 min video)

Witnessing this initiative in action reinforced my belief in the power of dedicated individuals working toward social change. What Kishori and her team are doing is nothing short of extraordinary offering a beacon of hope and dignity to those who often remain unseen.

For anyone in Pune, I highly encourage you to visit अब – Normal Home and support their mission in whatever way possible. Because now is always the right time to make a difference. Thinking you can help? click here!

Bonus: Every February, अब – Normal Home celebrates its Foundation Day—an event I’ve been wanting to attend in person. This time, I couldn’t make it, but if you have a few minutes, do check out these two program clips.

Worth a watch!

And on this special note, I want to take a moment to wish Kishori a very Happy Birthday!

Her unwavering commitment to these children and their future is truly inspiring. On this day, we celebrate not just another year in her life but the countless lives she continues to touch and transform.

Happy Birthday, Kishori! 🎉Keep up the good work!

If you missed the opening blog post about this series, please read it here.

Next Up: From my SIL to her husband, aka my brother 😁 and a bit about him.

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