The Struggle to Bloom

A little baby boy was born preterm with a birth weight less than 2 kg in October 2011 in a remote village in Purulia. He did not cry at birth. He was kept in the Newborn care unit at Purulia for almost 2 weeks and then discharged. When we saw him in October 2012 , he was found to be undernourished weighing barely 5 kilos, with gross hypotonia and developmental delay. The child at around 1 year of age, was unable to turn over or sit with support. 

Since then the child has been brought to our development clinic regularly, a herculean task for the parents residing at a remote corner of the district, about 100 km from our centre. With treatment and regular therapy sessions (Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, special education sessions), his nutritional status and muscle tone improved, gradually the child learnt to sit up and stand, to play effectively and communicate. 

 Presently, at 4 years of age, he can walk with little support, use both his hands, though there is a slight stiffness in his right limbs. He has good cognitive development and communication skills.

 

This happy little boy, Sudipto, has a very energetic and receptive mother who has helped him achieve so far.

Recently we gave Sudipto and his mother another exposure which has stimulated them a lot. He was given colours and paper and assisted to create art with his fingers. With a little guidance he did wonders and here is his creation...

 

SUDIPTO'S  ART WORK

Adding colour to life

Litttle did we know how enlightening and rejuvenating colours 

could be to the little developmentally challenged children from 

remote villages in Purulia.

 Their disability coupled with environmental deprivation and poverty had deprived them of most enjoyments of childhood. Life was stagnated in a stale, grey pool of futility.

UDBHAAS came up with a new scheme to test the creative abilities in these challenged children, some  spastic, some with mental retardation, others  autistic. Our special educator sat with them with paper, crayons and paint and with a little motivation and support their artwork flourished! Instantaneously their eyes lit up, they simply loved the effect of colours on the canvass. As colourful pictures evolved, heavenly smiles of contentment appeared on the little faces, speaking tons of their enjoyment and sense of achievement. The ability to create something colourful was such a gratification for the kids and their parents. And for us, retrieving the hidden talents was a revelation! It was the magic moment when we could all shout  out ‘WE CAN DO IT!’