1989 was a significant year in the life of Alli Murugesan. Her dreams came true and she founded 'Vasantham' - a special school for mentally retarded children. Located at Mogappair, it had just six children to begin with. Despite having a young girl baby of her own to look after, she took up the challenge of her own volition with the active support of her husband and her siblings. As a young girl going to school in Thanjavur, Alli happened to see a mentally retarded boy being ill-treated by his parents. This roused her feelings so much that she decided right then that she would start a school for training such children when she grew up. She wanted to bring spring (vasantham) to their lives. She planned her own education and training to suit this aim. After completing her B.Com (1989), she went on to study B.A. Psychology (1991). She is about to complete an M.A. Psychology and M.Ed. this year. In the meantime in 1990, she went through practical training in Balavihar, Chennai and obtained her Senior Diploma in the training of Mental Retardation (S.D.M.R.). Recently she has also registered in Rehabilitation Council of India. A creditable list of qualifications indeed!

'Vasantham' was housed till two years ago in rented premises, till it got its own premises, built with generous contributions from kind-hearted donors. Alli and her family live in the same building, so that she can be in constant touch with 'her' children. There are now 60 children, some of them resident and the others day-scholars. There are more waiting to be admitted when the building is complete. Alli makes it a point to involve the parents of the retarded children in their training. She insists that they take their off-springs home on holidays and festivals. Unfortunately, there are some orphaned children too.

'Vasantham' is specially designed to train children with different categories and varying degrees of retardation. The children are taught to take care of their personal needs. Besides academic training, they are given physiotherapy, speech, yoga and music therapy by specially trained staff. Prevocational training too is available. The children learn simple tailoring, envelope making, mixing phenol, making soap powder and candles. This not only helps them in mental and physical coordination, it also brings in some small income to the institution. The children are periodically taken out on picnics and participate in sports for the handicapped, drawing competitions and other such get-togethers.

'Vasantham' is run totally on contributions from philanthropic individuals and organisations and social service organisations. Recently, several schemes have been launched through which anyone can donate on a monthly or annual basis, besides offering food on special days either all the meals or one particular one. It is heartening that these schemes have brought in good response. The happy, excited manner in which the children welcome the visitor is touching. The difference that is made when they are treated as individuals in their own right is evident.

'Vasantham' is situated at PP 10/4, East Mogappair, Chennai - 600 050, where Alli, along with the children, is ever-welcoming. Her daughter Kripa, who will be entering the 10th standard in the coming academic year, has already decided to follow in her mother's footsteps.

Lakshmi Venkatraman

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