It was at the age of 13, in the year 2005, when he found
a newspaper notification about Swadhar’s Rays of Hope project
center at YCM Hospital in Pimpri. When he approached for help,
the family was immediately enrolled for supply of protein rich
grocery and medicines. Since Aakash’s mother was in a severe
condition, Swadhar shifted her to an institution for care. In
addition, an artificial limb was arranged for the father, so
that he is able to go out, work, and earn whatever little he
can manage for the family. He was also taken to Sassoon
Hospital for regular monitoring of his CD4 count and for his
ART treatment. With its close association with a municipal
corporator, Swadhar helped Aakash’s father in opening an
STD/PCO calling booth.
Aakash and his brother were registered under the Bal
Sangopan Yojana, a state government run program that provides
alternate family care to children in circumstances wherein
their biological parents are not able to take care of them due
to crisis situations; thereby preventing institutionalisation.
After completing his 10th grade, Aakash started doing
small odd jobs. He now earns Rs. 15,000/- every month. He
takes good care of his family now. While he continues to seek
counselling at the Rays of Hope project center, he seems to
have found his silver lining to the clouds in his life.