Bringing hope, dignity to specially-abled children

Mythri Charitable Trust nurtures abilities, builds  confidence and empowers special children

By Alankrita Latkar and S.N. Venkatnag Sobers

Caring for children requires patience and attention. But nurturing specially-abled children demands something more: Dedication, compassion and unwavering commitment.

For over four decades, Mysuru-based Mythri Charitable Trust has quietly embodied all three through its Mythri Special School, working towards empowering specially-abled children and adults through education, skill development and vocational training.

Founded in 1973 by Prof. N. Venkoba Rao and former CFTRI scientist Dr.Balakrishnan, along with a group of like-minded individuals, the school began modestly in a small portion of the historic, now dilapidated Lansdowne Building.

At a time when there were hardly any institutional facilities or Government departments dedicated to special education, the founders personally contributed funds to keep the initiative alive.

Giving it a direction

However, sustaining the institution was not easy. A few years later, when the school was on the verge of closure, Prof.Venkoba Rao formally established the ‘Mythri Charitable Trust’ in 1982, giving the institution a renewed identity  and direction. Since then, the Trust has continued its efforts for nearly 45 years, helping specially-abled children lead more independent and dignified lives.

Today, the school caters to students aged between four and 52 years with different forms of disabilities. The atmosphere inside the school is far removed from the rigid image of a conventional classroom.

Laughter, colours and creativity fill the space, while classroom walls are lined with teaching aids, sensory boards and learning materials designed to make education interactive and engaging.

Specially-designed curriculum

The institution follows a specially designed curriculum aimed at developing both cognitive and motor skills. Students participate in a range of activities, including drawing, painting, pottery, paper craft, candle making, soft toy making, papier-mache work, Yoga and basic computer training.

Vocational training remains one of the key focus areas of the Trust, with the aim of helping students integrate into mainstream society and eventually secure employment.

Apart from children, the Trust also works with specially-abled adults, who are trained in making paper bags, candles, jewellery, rangoli designs and handicrafts alongside the students.

‘Geetu Geechu’ expo

One of the recent highlights of the Trust’s initiatives was ‘Geetu Geechu,’ an art exhibition organised at Suchitra Art Gallery in Kalamandira complex. The exhibition showcased paintings and artworks created by the specially-abled students and received an encouraging response from visitors.

A total of 56 paintings were displayed, with each priced between Rs. 500 and Rs. 700. The proceeds from the sale went back to the specially-abled participants as part of their vocational training and livelihood support.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Prithvi Sudindar, Managing Trustee of Mythri Charitable Trust, said the organisation’s primary objective was to create more opportunities for specially-abled individuals to interact with society and showcase their capabilities.

“Through such initiatives, we are trying to bring specially-abled children into the mainstream. We want society to see that these children are capable of doing meaningful work. Even if one child gets employed, it gives us immense satisfaction. With the right training and support, integration into mainstream society is definitely possible,” she said.

Prithvi also stressed the importance of trained educators in special education. To ensure quality teaching, the Trust has been encouraging young teachers to pursue specialised training courses in special education and is currently sponsoring four teachers.

“If you are too strict or harsh with them, they react just like any other child. But when you teach them with kindness, patience and affection, they learn quickly. Repetition and gentle discipline help them improve and gain confidence,” she explained.

Functions from rented space

At present, Mythri Special School functions from a rented building in Srirampura. Over the years, the institution has operated from different locations including Kuvempunagar. Despite serving the community for over four decades, the Trust is still awaiting a permanent space of its own.

According to Prithvi Sudindar, the erstwhile Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA), now the Mysuru Development Authority (MDA), had communicated about allotting land to the Trust and the payment for the same had also been made.

“It has been nearly four years since then, but we are still waiting for further communication from the authority,” she said.

Despite these challenges, Mythri Charitable Trust continues its mission of providing education, vocational skills and emotional support to specially-abled individuals.

Beyond academics and training, the institution strives to create an environment where every student feels accepted, respected and empowered to lead a fulfilling life.

Disha clears her SSLC exams against all odds

When the SSLC results were announced recently, Disha created a proud moment for Mythri School by becoming the only student from her school to pass the board examination.

What made the achievement even more remarkable was that Disha had a disability classification of more than 75 percent.

The feat demonstrates that with the right support, patience and opportunities, specially-abled children can build independent and meaningful lives.

Soft-spoken yet determined, Disha’s success reflects years of discipline, perseverance and support from her teachers and parents. Fond of yoga, singing and dancing, she says Mathematics is her favourite subject, though she found English challenging.

“She worked hard and remained focused throughout the preparation,” say her teachers, who guided her closely during the examinations.

Disha, in turn, credits both her teachers and parents for constantly encouraging her and helping her believe in herself.

Disha’s story is one among several inspiring journeys at Mythri. Former student Manushree is now employed and also works as a teacher, while Spatika has excelled in tennis and won medals in para sports competitions.

Students such as Yashaswini and Ramya actively help and support other children at the institution and Manu is currently preparing for his PUC examinations.