Behala Bodhayan Marks 25 Years of Inclusion and Empowerment for Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, May 5, 2025  :  Marking a significant milestone in the journey of compassion and empowerment, Behala Bodhayan—a residential school and care home for children with intellectual disabilities—celebrated its silver jubilee with a heartfelt and inclusive event held at Sujata Sadan in Kolkata. Founded 25 years ago in Sarshuna, the institution has been a quiet but powerful force in advocating for the dignity, education, and full participation of children with special needs.

Themed “Consciousness, Compassion, and Freedom from Disability,” the event radiated warmth and joy as children from Behala Bodhayan participated in cultural performances, sharing with the audience their talents, emotions, and resilience. Their confident presence on stage reminded everyone that with acceptance and opportunity, every child can thrive.

The celebration was inaugurated by Swami Dibyajñananda Maharaj of Bharat Sevashram Sangha (Ballygunge branch), who urged all citizens to support children with special needs and participate in creating an inclusive society. Dignitaries present included Pandit Mallar Ghosh and noted audiologist and speech-language pathologist Md. Shahidul Arefin, who expressed his deep admiration for the children and the institution’s mission.

Speaking during the ceremony, Md. Shahidul Arefin shared, “Being on this stage made me realize that real therapy is not just about treatment or technique—it’s about love, dignity, and the right to live a life of respect. Behala Bodhayan’s work is not just an example of empathy, it stirs the very moral conscience of our society.”

The event also recognized former students Gaurab Ghosh and Robin Sau for their remarkable personal growth, symbolizing the long-term impact of inclusive care. Additionally, three individuals—Ahan Sengupta, Srijan Sengupta, and Soumya Upadhyay—were felicitated for their achievements as authors, having overcome language-related disabilities to contribute valuable literary works.

Founder-secretary Rikta Ghosh delivered an emotional address, reflecting on the institution’s journey. “Looking back on our 25-year journey brings tears to our eyes. The amount of neglect and adversity we’ve endured to create a safe and loving haven for people with special needs—who are often pushed to the margins of society—is indescribable. But standing in this joyful moment today, it feels like all our struggles have been worthwhile,” she said.

The programme concluded with a heartwarming cultural performance by the children of Behala Bodhayan. Their songs, rhythmic dances, and expressive dramas celebrated not only the joy of self-expression but also the beauty of life itself, offering a powerful message of inclusion and the boundless potential within every individual.

As Behala Bodhayan steps into its next chapter, its silver jubilee serves not just as a commemoration, but as a call to society—to listen, to include, and to uplift.