Gnana Deepam schools the mentally handicapped with grace and gumption.
In recent years, research has shown that mentally handicapped people have a greater capacity for learning than what was previously thought possible. However, their potential to learn can be fully realized only when they are provided with skilled assistance and the time and space to learn. When provided with skilled and systematic teaching, these unfortunate people have the chance to realize that many of their limitations can be overcome, much as in regular schooling.
Sewing lessons at Gnana Deepam
This is the story of Gnana Deepam, a school-cum-daycare center for mentally handicapped children in Pammal, a suburb in Chennai. Mrs. Uma Dandapani, formerly a teacher in a private school, had always wanted to do something for the rehabilitation of the mentally retarded children. Mrs. Dandapani's initial motivation came when she was moved by the plight of the son of her close friend, a mentally ill child. The child suffered due to lack of care and proper guidance, she felt, and could be significantly better with skilled teaching. Other children in similar situations too, could similarly benefit.
Mrs. Dandapani quit her job and took a senior diploma in special education from the Bala Bihar Training school, Kilpauk. She founded Gnana Deepam in March 1993 with a view to making mentally handicapped children less dependent on others for their basic needs. Her late father was an inspiration for her to swing into action. Her husband, who is a chief engineer in TNEB gives her moral and emotional support to carry on her mission.
Mrs. Dandapani chose Pammal for two reasons - there was no such facility within 20 kms of Pammal and there are many children requiring care in the area. Being a special educator and a trained teacher, Mrs. Dandapani's greatest strength is that she can handle the children with the kind of affection and care that they need. She appointed four other teachers also who teach them reading, yoga, painting, colouring etc. In addition the school is helped by a committee of volunteers who provide materials and physical help. Today, there are 32 special children belonging to low income families being trained at Gnana Deepam. The school is also supported with honorary consultancy services by professionals, including a chartered account (B. Prathap) and an advocate (P. N. Prakash).
The Gnana Deepam staff, from left to right, Shivakami, Prema, Uma, Hema, and Eswari.
Typically, the children at the 'Gnanadeepam' were born into low income families. Mrs. Dandapani acknowledges that for their parents, earning for subsistence and making both ends meet is an ordeal in itself, leaving them unable to commit much-needed time and patience to their children. Still, the parents are not unappreciative of the problems concerning these children and are supportive of Mrs. Dandapani's efforts.
At Gnana Deepam, activities for the children range from reading and writing to understanding concepts of numbers, colors, shapes, currency, etc. Vocational training is part of the daily routine and involves making greeting cards, button sewing, drawing, weaving, gardening , tailoring and making paper covers. In addition the students are given classes in yoga, speech therapy and communication. Practical education includes writing names and addresses, recognizing important words like "Stop" and "go" etc. The school functions between 10 am and 3 pm.
Gnana Deepam depends on donations for its running. Thanks to philanthropic friends and well-wishers, Mrs. Dandapani has been sustaining the centre without serious problems. In fact her son contributes a part of his salary to maintain the center. Though it has grown modestly in a short span, she feels the pinch when it comes to translating her ideas and experience into action. Current plans include expansion of vocational training and establishment of a home for the mentally handicapped. Mrs. Dandapani hopes to expand the vocational training for these children so that they are are accepted in viable income generating activities in local industries and other organizations.
Mrs. Dandapani and her team believe in that spastic persons can indeed be a useful part of society. While acknowledging that some of some of these children cannot lead lives like ordinary people, the team at Gnana Deepam has worked hard over five years to arm these handicapped children will basic skills that make them an asset to the society. In that process Gnana Deepam enables them to become less dependent on others as they grow up. Sometimes, all it takes is someone to believe in them, and by being that, Mrs.Dandapani and her team have lit up their lives.
Gnana Bharathy
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