Nithin Bedar, born on 14 September 2021 in Kaneshwari village, Sirsi Taluk, was diagnosed with Global Developmental Delay after severe jaundice at birth affected his nerve development. Coming from a rural daily-wage family, his parents faced financial hardship and difficulty accessing healthcare services in distant hospitals. When identified by Prashanti Foundation’s Early Intervention Programme, Nithin struggled with sitting, crawling, communication, and social interaction. Over the past two years, Prashanti Foundation has provided therapy, sensory stimulation, motor exercises, ADL training, parental guidance, and medical follow-up support. With assistance from APD India, a standing frame was also provided. Today, Nithin can roll over, sit with support, move independently, play with toys, recognise people, and communicate through simple sounds. His journey reflects the power of early intervention, family participation, and community support

Karthikeya, a 31-year-old man from Aarekatta, Sirsi, lives with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Though he completed his M.A. in Hindi and came from an educated family, he struggled with social interaction, emotional regulation, alcohol consumption, and unemployment. His relationship with family members was also affected, and he required constant supervision in daily life. Through the Occupational Rehabilitation Programme of Prashanti Foundation, Karthikeya received occupational therapy, livelihood support, and counseling. He was trained in activities such as paper cover making, banana fiber processing, office assistance, cleaning, and writing-related work. Counseling sessions helped both him and his parents improve communication, understanding, and coping skills. Today, Karthikeya earns Rs.1650 per month and travels independently to the workplace. He has become more confident, emotionally stable, and socially active. Regular engagement at work reduced his alcohol-related thoughts and improved his relationship with family members. His birthdays are also celebrated every year with his friends at the workplace, bringing him happiness, a sense of belonging, and joyful social interaction. His parents now feel relieved and hopeful seeing him engaged productively throughout the day. Karthikeya proudly says, “I learned many new skills at Chetana. Now I can travel independently. I feel happy and confident about myself.”

Harshavardhan, an 11-year-old boy from Sirsi, comes from a middle-class family and is the third among four children. His father works as a driver and struggles with alcoholism, while his mother works long hours at the court. Although Harshavardhan’s IQ is within the normal range, the lack of emotional support and parental attention affected his confidence and academic progress. Over time, he started attending school with incomplete homework and faced verbal and physical punishment from teachers. This gradually created fear and disinterest towards studies, leading to irregular school attendance and declining academic performance. Through the Kalike Learning Programme of Prashanti Foundation, Harshavardhan received individual educational support and counseling. Special attention was given to subjects like arithmetic and English, where he faced difficulties. Regular practice in reading, writing, and mathematics, along with theatre-based learning activities, helped him improve communication, confidence, and classroom participation. Counseling sessions were conducted with the child, parents, and teachers to address his emotional and academic challenges. Parents were guided to provide emotional support and encouragement, while teachers were encouraged to avoid punishment and adopt positive teaching methods. Gradually, Harshavardhan began attending school regularly and participating actively in class. He started expressing his thoughts openly, writing independently, creating simple stories, and reciting songs confidently. Science exhibitions and activity-based learning further improved his understanding and interest in studies. Today, Harshavardhan says with a smile, “I feel happy to come to school, and from the Rangavihara class I learned many games, songs, and stories.” Supported by Kalike Learning Programme through an individual donor.