Award to Lakshmi Kumari of Ashayam Project

Mrs. Lakshmi Kumari has founded Ashayam to help disabled children from poor families. Ashayam’s primary focus is to identify children with disabilities especially from poor families and train them. The society has started with only two children and now is providing training to 30 children. In addition to providing training to disabled children the society educates the parents of the disabled children and makes them aware of the possible opportunities. Parents who have lost hope or who were not aware of any such opportunities are able to recognize the potential of their children.

Asha Kansas City has supported Ashayam by releasing funds to an extent of $8825 to support teacher’s salaries, educational aids and transportation. The National Trust for Welfare of persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental retardation and Multiple disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the Spandan Special Performance Awards to felicitate people who either did something extraordinary despite their disabilities or dedicated their lives to make the world a better place for the differently abled. Mrs. Lakshmi Kumari won the Best Individual (Parent) in the Female category. The award was presented to her by the Honorable minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Mr. Mukul Wasnik on September 5th, 2012, at an event organised by the National Trust at Teen Murti Bhawan, New Delhi.