All is not well with the world, and definitely not with its children. A conflict ridden society, plagued by various social ills, makes children extremely vulnerable and calls for some conscious effort on our part to make it a better place. Established in 1991, Ashraya is one such effort that primarily takes care of and rehabilitates physically and mentally challenged children. Since its humble beginning, fifteen years back, Ashraya has come a long way to include a special school, a vocational training centre and a physiotherapy centre.

As one walks into its precincts, one feels the words of Phil Collins ringing true—indeed Ashraya is “another day in paradise”. The air is vibrant with songs and laughter of seventy-odd children who call this place their home and stay together like one big happy family, nurturing each other. Here at Ashraya, each child is taught to be independent, no matter what the nature of her disability, and lead a normal life. Every child attends the Ashraya school and older children are taught to take care of the younger ones.

The guiding force behind this noble enterprise is Ms Leela Deshpande, the Secretary of the Society. Moved by the painful realities of life on the streets and slums, Leela decided to contribute significantly towards the betterment of underprivileged children, and Ashraya was born. "I often felt this urge to do something for the needy and helpless, and my grandfather was my major source of encouragement,” she says.

Ashraya has a dedicated team of trained teachers that helps in running the show. Apart from the special school, it also runs a school for the children of nearby slums and a home for senior citizens.

Ashraya functions on financial donations from patrons in India as well as abroad.