National fame for special kids’ coach

A.S.R.P. MUKESH

Alka Nizamie

Ranchi, Sept. 5: She may look like the kindly next-door neighbour, but there’s more to Alka Nizamie than meets the eye.

A feisty 52-year-old clinical psychologist-turned-social entrepreneur, the lady has been working for the uplift of children with physical and mental disabilities in Jharkhand for over two decades now.

And now, on September 10 in New Delhi, The National Trust, under the Union ministry of social justice and empowerment, will bestow Nizamie the award of best social professional. Rather than receive it as an individual achievement, Nizamie chooses to see it as an honour for the special children. “But there is still much left to do,” she says with characteristic modesty.

Her school for special children, aptly named Deepshikha, was launched in 1988, and now touches the lives of 6,000 children, co-partnered by 100 schools. The children suffer from autism, mental disability and dysfunctional behaviour.

“We started out with just 12 kids, and now the number has gone up to 6,000. From age two to their teenage years, these special children are under our care. We teach them, counsel them and equip them with livelihood skills,” said the social entrepreneur.

So how did it all start?

“The impetus to do something for special children came from my niece, who was a special child herself. When I and some others started our journey, special children were seen as a burden both by their parents and society. Now, there is more awareness, but it is limited to the elite sections of society. Only a complete mental overhaul will cause a large-scale acceptance of special children,” she said.

On a personal note, she said that her niece had passed away recently. But the movement to empower children like her would go on, she promised.

What’s the secret of her success?

Perseverance would be the key, according to Nizamie. “In the beginning, there were hardly any available funds or state support. but we were committed and that has made all the difference,” she said. 

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100906/jsp/jharkhand/story_12901078.jsp