वात्सल्य ट्रस्ट, Mumbai

Vatsalaya trust, Mumbai : A home for Less Privileged

The word vatsalya means affection felt by an elder and stronger person for a younger and vulnerable. As members of the society we live in, we owe the same love and affection to those who are not fortunate enough to be born in a family. With this noble thought in mind Vatsalya Trust was registered in 1983 with the objective to accept destitutes of all ages and both the sexes, to nurture them, to educate them and rehabilitate them. A beginning was made by starting an orphanage for infants. Started with 2 girl infants in June 1985, this center, today takes care of around 50 infants on an average. Every year almost an equal number of infants are rehabilitated in caring adoptive families. The center is fully equipped with trained and dedicated staff and has renowned paediatricians on its payroll. So far placing them with caring adoptive families has rehabilitated 607 orphans. Shortage of space prevents the Trust from expanding its activities. To create awareness in the community about the problems of the innocent orphans and ensure healthy, receptive attitude about adoption, periodical group meetings and seminars are organized. Pre and post adoption seminars are arranged with active participation of the experts in the field as well as of experienced families.

A Balikashram for girls from the age group of 4-14 years who are either destitute or come from adverse family situations, provides long term development support under this project. Efforts are made to bring them at least to the average level of education. Vocational training such as sewing is also provided.

A shelter for women in distress has been set up. Many times women in certain critical periods need temporary shelter and sympathetic guidance. This facility is provided at Sanapada on a small scale.

An old age home, ‘Vanprastham’, too has been started. As traditional family structure is undergoing a rapid change in modern urban India, a large number of aged people need to be looked after in a newer set up. Here they are taken care of with dignity and are given a chance to participate meaningfully in various activities.

Vatsalaya Trust has some future projects. A plot nearby the present location has been allotted to the Trust at Kanjur Marg, Mumbai Building that would cater to the needs of many more orphans, destitute and underprivileged cost Rs. 1.5 crore. This complex will have following facilities:

Fully equipped orphanage for 60 children, Balakashram for 35 destitute boys, shelter and development facilities for children with deformity and a day care center or crèche already in operation.

Major source of funding has been a commendable support from the public at large। Government assistance is also available through its schemes, though on a very limited scale. Hence there is a constant need for funds to support ongoing and future projects of Vatsalya trust.

Vatsalya Trust, Mumbai was born on 8th February 1983। The founders were Smt. Sanjivani Raykar, Late Dr. Shivram Athavale, Shri. G.A Damle and few others who felt a need for starting a charitable organization dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of destitute children. ‘Vatsalya' a Sanskrit word meaning affection was considered appropriate for naming the proposed Charitable Trust.

After overcoming some initial teething troubles an orphanage was started at Kanjur with 2 infant girls on 2nd June 1985. It was not a cakewalk. Nurturing, and rehabilitating infants involved several aspects: legal, medical, social and emotional. The number of infants started growing steadily but Vatsalya Trust had to deal with space and infrastructure constraints. Financial resources were also limited. Vatsalya undoubtedly kept working on all these fronts. Now, after 20 years of existence, Vatsalya’s social activities have taken deep roots in the society and the Trust stands on sound footing today.