Starting with just four girls with disabilities in 1990, Dr. Papalkar’s orphanage in Wazzar, Amravati, has grown into a home for 123 children, many abandoned and some with severe disabilities. His vision extends beyond shelter to lifelong care, empowerment, and dignity for these vulnerable children.
- Home to 123 children with disabilities on 25 acres
- Ages range from infants to adults supported for life
- Residents tend 15,000 trees, gaining responsibility
What happened
In 1990, Dr. Shankarbaba Papalkar began his journey by taking in four girls with disabilities to a barren 25-acre land in Wazzar, Amravati. Over 35 years, this small beginning blossomed into a home for 123 abandoned children, many with significant physical and intellectual challenges. The children came to the ashram with little or no family care, often abandoned shortly after birth.
Recognizing the unique needs of each child, Papalkar developed what became known as the Vazzar Model, an inclusive community where every resident has responsibilities suited to their abilities. Over time, the children not only received shelter and food but also emotional support, education, and life skills, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives.
Why it feels good
Dr. Papalkar’s work offers a deeply moving example of how determination and compassion can transform lives and environments. By personally taking the name of father on the children’s identity cards, he provided them with something invaluable: a sense of belonging and family identity. This small but powerful gesture highlights the emotional depth of his commitment.
Beyond care, Papalkar empowers the children to contribute through meaningful roles — some care for plants, watering roots to nurture a growing forest of 15,000 trees. The success stories are numerous, including children who have gained government jobs or married, showing they were prepared not just to survive, but to thrive. Their achievements, including clearing competitive exams against odds, underscore a message of hope and human potential.
What to enjoy or watch next
Follow the ongoing story of the Vazzar ashram and its community as they continue to grow and flourish under Dr. Papalkar’s guidance and advocacy. He faces the challenge of ensuring lifelong care beyond childhood — a crucial issue given that many children with disabilities require ongoing support into adulthood.
Look out for inspiring individual journeys emerging from the ashram, such as that of the visually impaired daughter who overcame barriers to become a revenue assistant. These stories offer valuable insights into inclusive care and can inspire similar initiatives globally. Also, keep an eye on developments in models of rehabilitation and rights advocacy for differently-abled adults in institutional settings.