Driven by our values to help improve the lives of people in the communities in which we operate, Himalaya decided to partner with Shrishti Special Academy (SSA) , a Bangalore based NGO involved in developing and implementing technically designed intervention programs to help special needs children, including severely intellectually challenged, autistic, down syndrome, become self-reliant.

The passion & dedication of the team at SSA motivated us to work with the organization. Since a major focus of SSA is to make residents self-reliant and economically independent by imparting vocational training, Himalaya felt that the best form of engagement with SSA would be one, which empowers the residents economically.

Himalaya agreed to buy candles made by the residents. By sourcing products from SSA, we are able to help them earn revenues and at the same time ensure that the residents enjoy the feeling of 'making their own money'.

Suchita, Co-founder of SSA comments, "When we earn money for our hard work, we feel a sense of pride. It is no different with the children at SSA. When they take their hard earned money home and see that it makes a huge difference to their families, it gives them a sense of achievement and is a boost to their self-esteem."

In recognition of our unstinted support to SSA, the latter awarded Himalaya with the 'Social Responsibility Award' on 4 th March 2006, on the occasion of their 10 th anniversary. The award recognizes the financial support given by Himalaya and the role we have played as 'awareness ambassadors' for activities of SSA.

When giving the award to Himalaya, Suchita, co-promoter of SSA, said," Himalaya's support helped us increase stipends of the residents. We were also able to use some of the revenues generated from this partnership towards the construction of our new facility. Above all else, it gave the children an opportunity to acquire 'life skill training' so that they can earn their own money and grow up to become independent, contributing members of society."

For Himalaya this is a small step towards making an important contribution to the lives of children who have had to grow up much before their time. It is a sincere effort at sensitizing the community about the problems faced by autistic and special needs children and how these need to be addressed by us collectively. It is also an effort to bring some cheer into the lives of children at SSA, helping them enjoy their childhood and do the things children do.

Making a difference.

Meet Shobha. She has Down syndrome. Shobha used to study at her village school. The children in her class didn’t like her very much because she was different. She couldn’t learn as quickly, she knew only a few words and she understood very little. Her classmates often beat her, pinched and even bit her. When Shobha’s parents heard of SSA, they decided to send Shobha to the institute in the hope that she might get the special care she needs. Shobha now lives at SSA and because of the care and love she receives from the counselors she has made phenomenal progress in her academics. She identifies names, objects, vehicles, flowers, fruits and can even write and recite numbers 1 to 5 and the entire English alphabet! Shobha loves sports and has a great time playing with children her age. She has learnt to wash her face and brush her teeth all by herself! The personal attention that children get at SSA, all the more convinced us to partner with the organization. It has been a wonderful association for Himalaya, as we have seen many children like Shobha learn to smile again...