From Despair to Hope: How Pooja Patel Transformed Lives of 200+ Special Children || From Heartbreak to Healing: The Woman Who Redefined Disability Care |
A Mother’s Suicide Attempt Turned Into a Lifeline for Disabled Kids. Gujarat’s Angel: Pooja Patel’s Fight for Mentally Disabled Children.
A Mother's Dream Shattered
Pooja Patel, a Gujarati woman living in Rajasthan, dreamed big during her pregnancy. She envisioned sending her child to the best school in Jaipur and raising a successful child who would make her proud. Like most expecting mothers, she nurtured these hopes throughout her pregnancy. However, when her son Vasu was born with mental disabilities, all her dreams came crashing down in an instant.
By the time Vasu turned one and a half years old, he couldn't speak, walk, or understand basic things. He was under treatment at Jaipur's CBC Hospital under Dr. S.J. Sitaraman. When a team of foreign specialists visited Jaipur, Dr. Sitaraman suggested they examine Vasu. After evaluation, the doctors told Pooja that her child would remain in this condition for life. The devastated mother felt like she aged twelve years during the 12 km journey back home.
The Darkest Moment
Returning home, Pooja locked herself in a room with Vasu. Heartbroken at the thought of watching her helpless child struggle through life, she decided death would be better. She prepared two dupattas - one for herself and one for Vasu - to hang from the ceiling fan. Just as she was about to take this drastic step, her phone rang. It was Dr. Sitaraman.
Hearing Pooja's tearful voice, the doctor immediately understood her intentions. When she confessed her plan, he responded with remarkable wisdom: "My child, if you wish to die, I won't stop you. But first meet me once. I swear on your son's life - come see me right now with Vasu."
A Life-Changing Meeting
Though resolved to end her life, Pooja felt compelled to honor this final request. When she arrived with Vasu, the doctor first took the boy aside and declared: "From today, this child is mine. I free you from his responsibility. Now do what you must." Then he asked Pooja a profound question: "Have you read the Bhagavad Gita?"
When Pooja nodded, the doctor explained: "You've read it but not understood it. This child has come to you as a result of your past karma. How many lifetimes will you keep running from your karma?" These words struck Pooja like lightning. She stopped crying and resolved to raise Vasu with unconditional love.
A New Beginning
Pooja began nurturing Vasu with renewed positivity. By age two, he started walking. When regular schools refused admission, she enrolled him in a special school in Jaipur. Visiting this institution opened her eyes - she realized many mothers had children with even greater challenges than Vasu. This inspired her to help mentally challenged children in Gujarat.
Pooja resumed her education, completing special courses on working with mentally challenged children. In 2012, she and her husband Sureshbhai moved to Rajkot and joined "Prayas Parents Association," an organization for special children. What began with 4-5 children now serves over 200.
Transforming Lives
The woman who once contemplated suicide with her son now serves as a mother to 200+ special children. Through Prayas, she runs various projects teaching music, art, reading, writing, dance, and cooking to children with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, multiple disabilities, and autism.
Pooja Patel's courage and service deserve our deepest respect, as does Dr. Sitaraman's wisdom. Her story teaches us that when we use our lives to serve others rather than despair, we discover extraordinary joy.
Note: Prayas Parents Association is run by parents of special children, with Pooja Patel leading its operations.
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