Elderly Couple has been taking care of 62 kids after loss of their special needs child
“We need help in securing funds for educational needs, food and sanitation, medical expenses, caregiving, and overall facility maintenance. We want you to be part of a journey that empowers children with disabilities to spread their wings and soar.” – Ravindra Sugwekar
Know somebody who can donate?
“We need help in securing funds for educational needs, food and sanitation, medical expenses, caregiving, and overall facility maintenance. We want you to be part of a journey that empowers children with disabilities to spread their wings and soar.” – Ravindra Sugwekar
Know someone who can donate?
They need your support to keep going. Please donate or share!
In the city of Thane, senior citizens Ravindra and Sujata Sugwekar founded Sangopita- a special home with the sole aim of feeding and caring for children with special needs. Despite the heartbreaking loss of one child in childbirth, the Sugwekars kept going, finding strength in caring for their surviving son, Akshay who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Today, unfortunately, they are struggling to continue running the home because of lack of funds.
“We know the struggles of parents who have ‘special’ children. We have gone through it. Our son Akshay is the light of our lives…his belief in us is what led us to take care of 62 children with special needs today. Our only aim in life is to take care of them well.” – Ravindra Sugwekar.
Their saga began in 1997 when Akshay was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Sujata, determined to give him the best, undertook the difficult daily journey from Badlapur to Parel for therapy. The struggles on crowded trains and the lack of a comprehensive support system led them to envision something more—a place where children with disabilities could receive holistic care.
Born prematurely at 6.5 months, Akshay fought for life on a ventilator for an entire month. In the face of this challenging start, Sujata, the resilient mother, dedicated the next seven years to carrying Akshay on her back during daily local train journeys for physiotherapy. As Akshay grew older, the physical strain intensified, but the Sugwekars’ determination never wavered.
In 2003, Sangopita emerged on a one-acre plot near Badlapur, providing a holistic upbringing for children with disabilities. Ravindra and His Wife have taken the role of Aai and Baba for the special children.
They have exhausted all their savings and income into running this special home
“We want these children to become independent by the time they are 18. At the same time, we are letting their parents live their lives. We hope that we can help more people.” – Sujata Sugwekar.
From its modest beginnings with two children, Sangopita has grown to house 62 children. The facility boasts special educators, occupational therapists, speech therapists, vocational training, physiotherapy, and round-the-clock care. The Sugwekars’ commitment extends beyond physical care, aiming to make these children independent by the age of 18.
The Sugwekars believe in providing every child with a chance to live their best life. The shelter accommodates children from Mumbai, Pune, Jalgaon, and even Jharkhand, including orphans, fostering a diverse and supportive community.
They have exhausted all their savings and income into running this special home
When Ravindra clean after these children people often ask don’t you feel ashamed & disgusted to which he replies with a smile why should I, ” They are my children, I have to care for them”
Amidst their remarkable achievements, the Sugwekars acknowledge the ongoing financial challenges. Their vision, however, extends beyond the present, with a desire to expand their services and reach more children in need.
To realize this ambitious vision, the Sugwekars are turning to the community for support. Join hands with Sangopita in making a lasting impact on the lives of these remarkable individuals.
“We need help in securing funds for educational needs, food and sanitation, medical expenses, caregiving, and overall facility maintenance. We want you to be part of a journey that empowers children with disabilities to spread their wings and soar. We know the apprehensions, hopes, dreams, and aspirations of parents of a child with disabilities – we want to be a helping hand.”- Ravindra Sugwekar.
They need your help to ensure the complete well-being of its residents
Know someone who can donate?