Source: UN News: Sunday, 14 September 2025 00:02 am
Amidst the rapidly increasing urbanization, the Pimpri-Chinchwad area of Maharashtra is showing that the real development is the same in which no one is left behind. The story of Nikita tells that when the administration works with sensitivity and understanding, the inclusive governance can become a reality. The day of 19 -year -old Nikita Sanjay Dhas living in Tuljai Nagar in Pimpri -Chinchwad, Pune, begins in a special style – by clapping. Clap for Nikita, who is struggling with intellectual disability, is actually a medium to express hunger, happiness or desire to go out. These applause of Nikita, for her mother Gita, not only signs, but Mamta and care have their own separate language. The time was completely normal at birth, but by reaching the age of three and a half years, her development stopped. Mother-daughter’s struggle started from there and a journey full of expectations. Geeta says, “I cannot leave Nikita even for a moment. But I am not alone in this path.” Nikita, four days every week, Pimpri Chinchwad Metropolitan Municipality with her mother goes to the PCMC-DBF). © Unicef/Faisal Magray This is the first inclusive aid center of its kind, which the local administration has started for, disabled children and their families. The Gita says, “Initially Nikita used to cry here, but now he herself stubborn to come to this center. There is music, there is dance, therapy and most important, there is other children like her, now she is not alone.” © Unicef/Faisal Magray The Art Teacher, Walk Instructor and Dance Teacher together, Nikita’s abilities are improving. Geeta at home teaches Nikita with the help of smart TV. Now the Gita has become not only a mother, but Nikita’s teacher, therapist and the greatest power. To take care of the frankita, the Divyang Bhavan Institute (PCMC-DBF) helps Rs 3,000 every month. This amount may be small, but it is a symbol of a big beginning. This center started in February 2024, has so far helped more than 750 persons with disabilities. Here not only the therapy and training are available, but 8 out of 41 employees also work, who set an example of real inclusion. © Unicef/Faisal Magray PCMC-DBF prepared a handicapped-supporting strategy, in January 2025, partnered with UNICEF, which has given special attention to health, education, child protection, water-welfare and inclusive statistics. The song says, “There are more children like Nikita, there is no more children here.” Not a gesture of needs, but the call of the future where everyone gets equal rights. Detailed version of this story first Here Published. © Unicef/Faisal Magray
