Background: Kathputli Colony and Its Legacy
Kathputli Colony, located in West Delhi, has long been a vibrant hub for families of traditional performers, including puppeteers, musicians, and dancers. Known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly in puppetry arts, the colony has been a cornerstone of artistic expression passed down through generations. However, recent urban redevelopment initiatives led to the relocation of its residents to Shadipur, aimed at addressing the inadequate infrastructure and housing conditions prevalent in Kathputli Colony. This transition, while intended to improve living conditions—such as sanitation, water supply, and electricity—sparked deep concerns about preserving the cultural identity that defined the community.
The move to Shadipur created not only physical distance from their original homes but also emotional turmoil. Residents worried about losing the close-knit bonds and opportunities essential for sustaining their livelihoods in the performing arts, which heavily depend on community presence and engagement.
Socio-Economic Challenges: A Struggle for Stability
In Shadipur, many families still rely on performing arts as their primary source of income. However, this reliance is fraught with instability, irregular earnings, and limited access to formal employment or vocational training. Consequently, financial security remains elusive. The educational opportunities for children are limited, with many families prioritizing work over schooling, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and missed potential.
Among these families are those with children who have autism or other disabilities. They navigate a particularly complex landscape of challenges exacerbated by societal stigma and a lack of resources. During community outreach, the Ashish Foundation team discovered that many parents struggled to find practitioners who could address their children’s unique needs. Local healthcare facilities often lack trained professionals, leading to long wait times and inadequate support. This delay in accessing necessary care not only hinders a child’s development but also creates frustration for families.
Cultural beliefs surrounding disabilities often frame them in a negative light, leading parents to feel pressured to hide their children from the public eye. This societal stigma fosters feelings of inadequacy, making it even more difficult for families to seek help or advocate for their children’s needs. The internalization of these attitudes contributes to a cycle of hopelessness, isolating families and their children even further.
Ashish Foundation: Connecting with the Community
In response to these pressing issues, the Ashish Foundation has committed itself to supporting children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities in marginalized communities like Shadipur. A key focus of the foundation is to raise awareness about autism within the community, aiming to reduce stigma and promote acceptance through outreach programs that educate families and neighbors.
Over a period of 1 to 1.5 years, Ashish team members worked tirelessly to initiate open dialogues with families, encouraging them to embrace the support available. Eventually, they identified seven families willing to send their children to the Ashish Centre for specialized education and support. The children included:
- Piyush (elementary)
- Ariyan (middle)
- Aanchal (middle)
- Armaan (middle)
- Tushar (middle)
- Mohit (middle)
- Sandeep (Intern at Ankur)
These families had previously faced rejection from mainstream schools due to a lack of resources and trained staff to cater to children with autism, leaving them isolated at home. Most were confined indoors, leading to severe social and developmental delays. The Ashish Centre offered a lifeline, as parents realized that educational and developmental support could be accessible for their special children.
Breakthroughs in Communication and Social Skills
After inviting ten families to the Ashish Centre for deeper conversations and an introduction to available services, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Many parents were surprised and emotional, realizing that such supportive environments existed for their children. Following these discussions, individualized development plans (IDPs) were created for the children, with fees kept at a token amount to foster a sense of ownership.
The children, including Tushar—who had severe behavioral issues due to past trauma—began attending the Centre in April 2024. With dedicated attention from teachers, Tushar showed significant improvement, actively participating in social learning activities and even performing at the Independence Day celebrations. The curriculum emphasized both academic and life skills, allowing Tushar to thrive in a nurturing environment that encouraged communication, social interaction, and creative expression through art.
Sandeep, another child, received targeted support to address his kleptomania. Teachers guided him through lessons on money management and ethical earning, setting him on a path toward greater independence. A dedicated counselor monitored student progress, ensuring that each child received the attention they needed for personal development.
Support for Families: Building a Community
As the children began to communicate more effectively and engage with their peers, their parents noticed a transformation. Encouraged by these improvements, families became motivated to support their children’s ongoing development at home and commit to regular attendance at the Ashish Centre. The teachers remained accessible via phone and WhatsApp, offering guidance and addressing concerns whenever needed.
Parents participated in workshops and parent-teacher meetings organized by Ashish, where they learned practical strategies for supporting their children’s emotional and educational needs. This initiative fostered a supportive community, providing parents with a safe space to share their fears and challenges.
A Journey Towards Inclusion
The work of the Ashish Foundation has been instrumental in improving the lives of autistic children and adults from Kathputli Colony, now resettled in Shadipur. Through education, awareness, and skill development, the foundation aims to empower families and foster a more inclusive community environment. By transforming shadows into spotlights, Ashish is helping individuals with autism not only find their voices but also thrive in a society that embraces diversity and understanding.
This journey toward inclusion is just beginning, but with continued support and commitment, the dream of a more accepting and empowered community can become a reality for all.
