In Shadipur, a dense neighborhood tucked behind Delhi’s roaring traffic, Sandeep spent most of his childhood indoors.

Born in 2004 in Punjab, Sandeep faced health challenges from the start—jaundice, seizures, delayed development. His parents, both daily wage workers, had little time or money to seek specialized care. “People used to say he’s cursed,” his father says quietly. “We just kept him home.”

School was irregular and isolating. “He wanted to play with other children,” his mother says, “but they made fun of him.” Poverty and stigma built invisible walls around the boy, hiding him from the world.

In April 2024, that began to change. Sandeep joined the Ashish Foundation’s vocational program. “The first day, he didn’t speak a word,” says his teacher. “Now, he walks in, greets everyone, and starts work on his own.”

At the Ankur Vocational Centre, Sandeep’s days are filled with activity—sorting beads for jewellery, helping with sublimation printing, organizing files, and assisting in cooking sessions. He earns respect for his careful attention to detail and his sense of responsibility. “He never leaves a task unfinished,” his instructor notes.

More than skills, Sandeep has found identity. He is recognized for his strengths—his sharp memory, his caring nature, his love for music and dance. He’s learning to make choices and communicate them—what he wants to eat, wear, or listen to. “He likes order,” says his teacher. “He thrives when you give him one task at a time.”

Outside work, Sandeep dreams of cycling, riding a motorbike, and one day working in production and packaging. He enjoys family outings, helping his mother, and choosing his own clothes—often with a hint of flair. “He loves looking good,” she laughs. “Now he wants to be seen.”

For a boy once hidden in the shadows of poverty and prejudice, Sandeep stands tall today—capable, confident, and proud. His journey isn’t just one of personal growth—it’s a quiet assertion that every person, regardless of ability, deserves to be valued and visible.