A WORD FROM SIMRAN KAUR- Head, Saadhya
“At Saadhya, I often consider this simple yet profound concept: if an individual who smokes where to forgo one cigarette per day, the savings would amount to a month’s worth of necessary medication for a child. It only takes a tiny personal sacrifice to change someone’s life. This sponsorship would enable our children to get continuous medical treatment and dependable transportation. Even when they are currently receiving therapy, financial constraints at times hinder them from getting the complete care they need.
Many of these children in this group are dependent on community-based medications that cannot be discontinued, even for a single day. However, some families are forced to skip doses and find it difficult to pay for other basic necessities like transportation and housekeeping necessities because of financial difficulties. Even though Saadhya works hard to close these gaps, there are still some situations where more help is essential.
I sincerely invite each and every one of you to come to Saadhya in light of this. Spend a day with our kids and see the unadulterated, unconditional love they provide, love that is given without expecting anything in return. This encounter makes a deep impression and shows the significant potential of your assistance. Together let us work towards a future where all Saadhya children get the all-encompassing care and opportunities they rightfully deserve.”
Saadhya Narratives: Moments That Inspire
As we reflect on the year, our students embraced the academic seasons and blossomed into champions. Through holistic learning and engaging events, it’s clear the session has been of growth, and celebration at Saadhya School. Each event reinforced our cultural values and commitment to inclusivity, education, and community-building.
Cultural Celebrations at Saadhya
Cultural celebrations bring our communities together, fostering togetherness while honouring our diverse traditions. It allows our neurodivergent students to express themselves and build social connections in an inclusive and supportive environment.
Ugadi- Celebrating New Beginnings
On April 5th, we celebrated the South-Indian festival, Ugadi, where students and staff gathered in traditional attire to mark new beginnings. The celebration featured performances, storytelling, and festive foods, fostering a sense of unity and hope. Teachers helped the children with garlands and torans made from mango leaves, and everyone shared prasad, symbolising the bittersweet moments in life.
Krishna Janmashtami Celebrations
On August 26, we celebrated Janmashtami where students got decked up as Radha and Krishna and participated in dances and the traditional “Maatka Todna” (pot-breaking) event. The festive spirit was enhanced by beautiful decorations, sweets, and a prayer ceremony, celebrating love, joy, and community.
Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration
On September 9th, our students celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi, dressed in colourful, traditional attire and actively decorating the eco-friendly Ganesh idol with flowers and thoranas. They sang devotional songs, filling the space with joy and reverence. After three days, the group held a special visarjan (immersion) ceremony with music and dancing, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Onam Celebration
To create a sense of inclusivity and cultural diversity, we celebrated at Saadhya on September 16th with beautiful flower decorations and a traditional kolam (rangoli) with a lit lamp at the center. The gathering was filled with laughter, wishes, and a heartwarming sense of unity, making it a memorable event that left everyone with a strong sense of connection and festive spirit.
Diwali Celebration
On October 31st, Saadhya celebrated Diwali with joy and unity. Students made their own candles, recited the Devi mantra, and lit diyas, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. A special lunch was served, and sweets and goodies were shared, spreading happiness
Christmas Celebration
On December 24th, Saadhya celebrated Christmas with warmth and joy, embracing the spirit of love, kindness, and giving. The highlight was the Secret Santa activity, where students and teachers exchanged gifts, spreading excitement and festive cheer. This tradition reinforced the values of generosity and kindness, capturing the true essence of Christmas.The celebration provided students with an opportunity to understand Christmas beyond its religious roots—as a time for togetherness, gratitude, and sharing happiness. By participating, they gained a deeper appreciation for different cultures while strengthening the school’s sense of community. The Christmas celebration became even more special with the presence of Dr. Gayathri Vasudevan, Chief Impact Officer of Sambhav Organisation.
Instilling Social Awareness
Fostering social awareness in our neurodivergent kids equips them with the necessary skills to navigate the world with confidence and empathy. It allows them to make meaningful relationships and actively participate in their communities.
Hasiru Habba - Preparing the Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow
On June 8th, our students participated in the Hasiru Habba, an annual event hosted by Hasiru Dala. This engagement gave students an insight into practical skills of product selling as students prepared and sold traditional snacks like chakkali, obbattu, and nippattu. This taught them about communication, money management, and basic sales promotion, helping to build essential life skills.
Yoga Day with Blue Bell School
Saadhya joined forces with Blue Bell School for International Yoga Day on June 21, engaging students and community members in group yoga, breathing exercises, and guided meditation. This event emphasized physical and mental well-being, reinforcing the value of mindfulness. At Saadhya, the mental well-being of students is tantamount to what we do. Yoga and breathing exercises are a regular approach we take to instil these behaviors among students.
Independence Day Celebration
Our Independence Day celebration was filled with enthusiasm, as students participated in a flag-hoisting ceremony and sang patriotic songs. A lively dance competition and freedom fighter-themed costume show brought history to life, allowing students to share speeches on the leaders they embodied. There was also an art activity where children drew a map of India on paper and used pulses to decorate different regions, showing where various crops are grown across the country. This creative exercise taught them about India’s agricultural diversity and geography, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the nation’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Children’s Day- Celebrating childhood, celebrating joy
On November 14th, we celebrated Children’s Day with joy and excitement, honoring childhood and the importance of fun. Teachers delighted students with a special dance, creating a warm and playful atmosphere. Everyone enthusiastically joined games like musical chairs, passing the ball, and pick and act, fostering teamwork and laughter. The celebration highlighted the school’s commitment to balancing education with play, ensuring every child felt valued and cherished. At Saadhya, children’s happiness and growth remain at the heart of the community.
Unlocking Potential Through Sports
Participating in sports encourages our students to connect with others while fostering teamwork, physical fitness, and discipline. It also nurtures a strong sense of camaraderie and brings unmatched excitement to their experiences.
District Level Championship Sports - Champions at Saadhya :
Championship organized by Special Olympics Bharat on the 17th of September was a proud day for our children, who earned nearly 16 medals in various sporting events. Parents cheered as the children displayed their skills and celebrated their achievements. This supportive and encouraging event boosted their confidence and gave them a sense of accomplishment.
Special Olympics Bharat-Karnataka:
On November 11th and 12th, students from Saadhya enthusiastically participated in the Zonal Level Special Olympics organized by Special Olympics Bharat-Karnataka. This exciting event brought together participants from various districts, including Kolar, Bangalore City, Bangalore Rural, Chikkaballapur, and Tumkur. Three students from Saadhya showcased their talents in individual and team events like shot put, 100m and 200m running, and the 4x100m relay. Their dedication and spirit were commendable, and their outstanding performances earned them well-deserved certificates. The event not only fostered sportsmanship but also celebrated inclusivity and determination, leaving everyone inspired and proud.
The Artists of Saadhya
Art is a powerful tool that allows our neurodivergent kids to participate and express themselves in ways beyond words. It fosters creativity and encourages thinking outside the box, while also nurturing a deeper understanding of themselves.
Dance Talent Show
Our Dance Talent Show, held on the 25th of September, gave students a chance to shine as they performed to popular songs with confidence and joy. Guided by their mentors, they practised hard, and their efforts were celebrated with tokens of appreciation. The event highlighted the children’s dedication and passion, making it a truly memorable day for all involved.
Prerana Nrithyostava
Held on December 13th, Prerana Nrithyotsava was an online recorded dance competition that gave Saadhya’s students a platform to showcase their exceptional talent and love for dance. Eight students participated, presenting beautifully choreographed performances that reflected their dedication, creativity, and hard work. Despite the virtual format, their expressive routines conveyed energy, emotion, and artistry, making a lasting impression. This event not only allowed students to hone their skills and gain confidence but also reinforced Saadhya’s commitment to promoting cultural expression and nurturing young talent.
Neurodiverse-positive Art Program:
On July 23rd, we participated in the Neurodiverse Art Program, to celebrate the creativity of our neurodiverse students, Nishitha and Dheeraj Gowda. Their paintings and crafts were on display, providing them a platform to express their unique perspectives and highlighting our commitment to inclusivity.
Tandav- Dance workshop
On December 15th, we hosted Tandav, a vibrant and inclusive dance workshop that offered students a joyful platform for self-expression. The event was filled with energy as students participated enthusiastically, moving confidently and creatively to the rhythm of the music. Beyond just learning dance moves, the workshop fostered a strong sense of community and connection, allowing students to bond through the universal language of dance. Tandav was a true celebration of creativity, inclusivity, diversity, and joy, leaving everyone with smiles and unforgettable memories.
Sneha Society for Counselling- Design a poster or write an essay
Sneha Society for Counselling invited students (Classes 6–12) to express their thoughts on emotional wellness through posters or essays. Topics like My Friends: My Best Medicine and Facing My Fears encouraged self-awareness and resilience. All participants received e-certificates, with selected entries featured online. Students and parents were also invited to a webinar on adolescent well-being by Dr. Preeti Galagali on December 8, 2024. This initiative provided a platform for young minds to reflect, express, and prioritize emotional health. Over 8 students had participated in the poster painting event.
Diya Painting and Candle Making Workshop
Students participated in a creative Diya Painting and Candle Making Workshop, where they explored traditional art and craftsmanship. They melted wax and carefully poured it into molds to create their own candles. Alongside this, they painted diyas in vibrant colors, adding a personal touch to their festive creations. The hands-on experience helped students develop artistic skills, patience, and creativity while understanding the craftsmanship behind these traditional items. The workshop not only encouraged self-expression but also introduced them to vocational skills, making it a fun and educational experience for all.
Weaving Dreams: Minal’s Journey at Saadhya
Meet Minal, 38 years old, who has been a part of Saadhya for an incredible 18 years. Despite living with a Global Developmental Delay (GDD) and some visual impairment, her zest for life and determination shine through. GDD affects both cognitive and physical development, leading to challenges in social interaction, coordination, and muscle strength—but Minal’s spirit proves that with the right support, these hurdles can be overcome.
Born and raised in Bangalore, Minal is fluent in both Sindhi and English, showcasing her strong communication skills. Diligent and meticulous, she crafts beautiful mats with precision and takes great pride in completing her tasks on time. Her ability to learn and adapt is evident, as she learned English during her time at Saadhya, reflecting her dedication to personal growth.
Minal’s mat weaving is a key aspect of her work, where her impressive hand-eye coordination is essential. Through stitching these mats, she is developing the skills needed to eventually sell her own creations, empowering her to pursue a meaningful livelihood. She uses recycled fabric to weave these mats, demonstrating both her creativity and resourcefulness. Beyond her work, Minal’s personality lights up any room. She loves making friends and is known for her enthusiastic participation in events, always stepping up for activities at Saadhya. Weaving Dreams: Minal’s Journey at Saadhya 8 Singing is one of her greatest passions; her voice fills our hearts with joy, and she’s been recognized with several awards at many of these events. Minal also has a special love for Bollywood and Shah Rukh Khan, often imitating him with genuine delight. From watching her favourite movie Kuch Kuch Hota Hai to singing her favourite songs like “Tum Paas Aao,” her admiration for him is infectious. Her dream is to meet Shah Rukh Khan one day.
And, of course, biryani is her favourite meal, which she enjoys with unmistakable enthusiasm and relish.
At Saadhya, we don’t just provide quality education but also empower individuals like Minal to build meaningful livelihoods and develop essential life skills. For all of us at Saadhya, Minal isn’t just a student; she’s family.
