First day of Kalpataru

Yes 13Th June was the reopening day of our special school "Kalpataru". And the attendance was very poor. Out of 87, only 30 students reported. It was surprising for me to note that, non of the newly admitted students reported. I had a odd feeling. All the parents of these newly admitted students were so much anxious or at least showed anxiety for admission as if they will send there ward to school the very same moment. And now they got their ward admitted, they are not bothered. My observation is, it takes at least one week for parents to get warmed up for sending their mentally disabled child to school. In most of the cases, parents are not really interested in any thing else than to see that their son/daughter are away for few hours. They expect it like a baby sitting arrangement. I have seen very few parents who are keen in the progress of their son/daughter in true sense. We certainly understand the parents problems. But unfortunately for us at SSS, it is not a baby sitting job for us. We put every thing in to it like money, mind and our soul. A smallest progress in a severely retarded child is like winning a award for us. Most of the people do not realize our commitment to this cause. For us at SSS it would be a matter of great concern when a mentally challenged student of ours do not show progress. This is thoroughly discussed with the concerned teacher, not only that, it is the main point on the agenda in the monthly staff meeting as well. It really hurts us when we find many parents do not take things seriously. Sending their ward regularly to school is not a priority for many parents. If it suits to their routine of the day then only he /she is sent. Further, it is a matter of great concern to us, when parents do not bother to intimate the Principal of the school if the child is not likely to come. In many instances this absenteeism is for more than a month also. During parent meeting, we have been talking about this, but many parents simply do not bother. When you take admission you give a under taking to follow the rules and regulation of the Institute. But who cares and who really reads it seriously? We are eager to take admission, and so simply sign on any paper put in front of us. Not a very good attitude. Of course, there are few parents they are disciplined and follow it religiously. It is soothing for both, parents and us at SSS.
By: Navin Deshpande, Secretary, SSS
e-mail: navindesh@gmail.com