Naren (name changed) was left floundering after his mother’s sudden death. There was no guardian to look after this developmentally challenged boy since his only brother had immigrated to the US.
But this loneliness didn’t last long as a miracle came in the guise of Prem Seva Nagar, which took custody of him. He is just one of many children who have found shelter in this self-sufficient caring society.
The belt of Prem Seva Nagar is beautifully suffused with the lushness of nature. This institution is a registered charitable trust founded by Lal Bhagwandas Sirwani. “The aim of our institution is to support people with special needs and help them work as independently as possible, both individually and socially,” says Mr Benjamin, the managing director of this institution.
Mr Bhagwandas Sirwani, an Indian, who had settled down in Spain always wanted to serve his country. His dream changed into reality when he met Mr Benjamin in the year 1984 and visited his institution, Ashalaya, in Bangalore. This provided him the impetus to build an institution for the mentally challenged and empower them, by providing aid of  international standards.
Baire Gowda, the former MLA of Narasapura, Kolar, came forth and sanctioned a site for this venture. The structures of this institution was inspired by Spanish architecture. The plan of action was to take up one project at a time for the duration of one year; the first initiative was to build the rehabilitation centre for the individuals with developmental delays.
The Rehabilitation centre was started in 2002, which provides special education, vocational training, and residential facilities. The centre is designed to suit the special needs of children and is built over an area of 30,000 sq ft.
The building is divided into four segments, the computer room, physiotherapy unit, special education section, medical centre and separate dormitories for both sexes along with rest rooms, laundry, kitchen and a beautiful garden of international quality.
There are about 74 inmates with severe to borderline conditions, who are accompanied by care takers. About 10 per cent is reserved for emergency cases. “The facilities are tailor-made for each inmate depending on their need with nominal costs like 100 to 200 rupees,” adds Mr Benjamin.
“My son used to be very aggressive, now he has become very independent and is well nurtured with love and support along with his other friends. I am happy and satisfied with his improvement and all thanks to Prem Seva Nagar” exclaims Puttanna (name changed) after joining hands with this institution.
Each individual is assessed before preparing the course of action, through IQ report, motor skills, physical abilities, functional and vocational academics. Age is the key factor since most of the elements inculcated will be based on the needs of the individuals in that period. For example instead of teaching alphabets to a 16-year-old, he can be taught simple time and money concepts that can help him in his future endeavours. Physiotherapy and speech therapy is also administered depending on these criteria.
“This institution started with one individual, we have come a long way from there. Facilities are catered depending on their conditions and not financial stability,” explains Anita, the HOD of special education.
They also train some of the inmates in cooking, gardening and computer skills, thus giving them an opportunity for paid employment in their institution. “I am very happy,” said one of the employed inmates.
This well maintained campus has an excellent well knit dedicated staff, working for the greater cause of humanity. They constitute the backbone of this institution, who are chosen on the basis of their passion to serve society. This campus also hosts community initiative projects, through conducting a survey on the difficulties faced by the localities.
Some of the facilities offered are primary health centre, open school, evening centre, regular schools, day care centre and old age home (with twelve senior citizens residing in their campus).
For details contact: Mr. Benjamin at Prem Seva Nagar, Narasapura – Malur Road, Kolar Taluk, Karnataka or call: 9341252615.