Life is a journey of endless surprises, full of unexpected twists and turns that often lead us to places we never dreamed of. It's a journey that demands our courage, faith, and above all, our willingness to embrace every moment, no matter how uncertain the path may seem.
During the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world seemed to stand still, I found a new purpose—a purpose that had been quietly growing within me for years: to build a school for differently-abled children. After 19 years of experience, I knew it was time to take a bold step forward. By God's grace, I had a piece of land in Hesarghatta village and the basic investment needed to begin. But even with these blessings, I knew the road ahead would be filled with challenges I couldn't foresee.
I had a vision of an eco-friendly building, a sanctuary filled with light, air, and greenery, where our children could feel safe, nurtured, and inspired. But turning this vision into reality was daunting. I searched high and low, consulting numerous experts, but none could capture the essence of what I wanted. Then, by what felt like a miracle, I discovered Chitra Vishwanath, a renowned designer of eco-friendly spaces. Her work gave me the courage to move forward. After many discussions, she understood my dream, and with her colleague Sharath, they began crafting the design.
As the plans unfolded, so did the fears and anxieties. Would I be able to see this through? Was this dream even practical? Would the children, the staff, and the therapists travel so far to this new place? Doubts flooded my mind, but I was not alone. My son, Sathvik, and my project manager, Trivikram, stood by me, offering their unwavering support. My mentor, Gundu Rao, guided me with wisdom, while my sister, Gayatri, and my auditor, Surender Singvi, helped plan the finances that were crucial to starting this journey.
The first major hurdle we faced was organizing the necessary funds. What I initially thought would suffice turned out to be far less than what the project actually required. The costs seemed to rise with every step, and there were moments when I wondered if we would ever be able to finish. But giving up was never an option. We decided to break the project into three phases, focusing all our efforts on raising enough funds to complete just the first phase.
It was during this time of intense struggle that the idea of organizing an event, Taal Mela, came to us. The event was a lifeline, but what truly turned the tide was the Rotary Rajmahal Vilas Club stepping in to support us. I cannot express how deeply grateful I am to them. Together, we raised funds that were used to purchase interactive digital boards, solar heat pumps, backup power systems, surveillance cameras, and vital materials for occupational, sensory, and outdoor activities. They even donated a printer for our office, a gesture that meant more than words can say. To honor their generosity, we are providing free education for five children in the name of the Rajmahal Vilas Rotary Club.
Despite this success, the road ahead was far from smooth. There were countless setbacks—delays in construction, unforeseen expenses, and the ever-present worry of whether we could sustain this project. But we pressed on. The event was a turning point, allowing us to continue the construction, and soon, many other organizations joined us in this mission. I am especially thankful to Würth Electronics Services Ind Pvt Ltd, whose continuous CSR contributions over three years gave us the strength to keep going. Brigade Foundation and Dr. Dayanand Pai came forward to help build a room, while Moog India Technology Center supported the construction of the kitchen hall. MMSH Clinical Research Pvt Ltd sponsored a child's education, therapies, and vocational training, providing hope to a family in need. Our FCRA registration opened doors to international support, and Mr. Vivek from the USA became a vital part of our journey. Many others, like P Singhvi Charitable Trust, M/s Sprinklr, Smt. Jayabai Aswath Gubbi Trust, Bird Electronics, BSGH Business Consulting Partners LLP, and dear friends like Lalitha Eshwaran and Hima from the UK, stood by us when we needed it most.
Each day brought new challenges—days when it felt like we were taking one step forward and two steps back. But with each challenge, our resolve grew stronger. The completion of the first phase felt like a miracle, and I am filled with pride and gratitude as I see our school now functioning, filled with the laughter and learning of our children. Yet, our work is not done. We still need to install a lift and water therapy equipment, and for that, we continue to seek support.
I am sharing some pictures of our children and the activities they’ve been engaged in. These moments of joy and growth remind me why this journey, with all its struggles, is so worth it.
As we look ahead, I humbly ask our sponsors to stand with us once again. We aim to reach out to 250 children, and to do that, we need your continued support. Please help us connect with more corporates and individuals who can help us achieve our dream. This journey has been challenging, but it is one that I embrace with my whole heart, knowing that together, we can make a difference in the lives of these children.
Friends, I want to end by saying thank you—from the bottom of my heart. Your support has been the light that has guided us through the darkest times. I am deeply grateful, and I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you by our side.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Nirmala Amarnath
Chairperson,
Amara Soundarya Foundation.
