Each child in Karm Marg holds a unique story. Situated on Faridabad’s outskirts, this NGO shelters children with mental disabilities, who lack family support.
Veena Lal founded Karm Marg in 1997, aiming for a more caring and familial environment. Her eight-year NGO experience inspired her to start the initiative as she believed these children deserved improved care.
“I strongly felt that [these] children could live like other children at home with their parents, rather than living a prison-like life. I wanted to give them the freedom and opportunities they would receive in a family,” she says.
These boys and girls are aged between six and 18 years of age and are rescued from public places, such as railway and bus stations, by the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
“All these children have either experienced some kind of trauma or pain, or suffer from mental disabilities. A few are malnourished, while some have never been to school. They receive education here, and are trained and prepared for adult life,” says Veena.
She used her savings to buy two acres of land and built an eco-friendly home for the children, complete with a kitchen, classroom, training space, and living quarters.
Some children go to school while others who require special attention are provided homeschooling at the NGO.
The children stay with the NGO until they reach adulthood, and are later aided in finding jobs. Since 1997, over 1,500 children have been given a dignified life thanks to the 56-year-old.
The Karm Marg home sits within an organic farm, surrounded by native trees, including guava, chikoo, and banana trees, fostering a closer bond between the children and nature.
Veena tried organic farming with the children, and now they grow all kinds of vegetables. Growing chemical-free food has cut costs and reduced hospital visits for children.
Children here learn valuable life skills such as turning waste into compost and useful items, recycling water, and other practical lessons.
“These craft skills help them start a business and become financially independent once they move out of the campus,” she says.