Deepashri (name changed) lost her mother at a young age, and her relatives were not in a position to take care of her. At just six years old, she was admitted to Balgram S.O.S. Children’s Village, Maharashtra, in Yerwada, Pune. Here, she found a home and a mother’s love, with the institution taking full responsibility for her upbringing.Deepashri was a bright student and completed her education from primary school to grade 12 through Balgram. She excelled in her 10th and 12th-grade exams and later pursued a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree in Nagpur, followed by a Master of Social Work (MSW) in Ahilyanagar. Throughout her journey, Balgram took care of her education and upbringing. Today, after completing her studies, she works as a social worker in a private hospital in Pune and stands on her own feet, both financially and socially, all thanks to Balgram.Balgram has provided shelter to children like Deepashri—orphans, children abandoned by relatives, and those who lost both parents due to accidents or other circumstances. Some were even abandoned at birth. Over the past 50 years, Balgram has nurtured hundreds of such children, many of whom have gone on to become engineers, professionals, pharmacists, and employees in reputed corporate firms.Balgram: A Home That Offers a Mother’s WarmthSince 1974, Balgram has been working for the care and rehabilitation of homeless and abandoned children. The institution relies on donations from society to continue its work. Along with its Yerwada branch in Pune, Balgram has centers in Shivajinagar, Panvel, Kolhapur, and Thane. The institution strives to help these children become self-reliant and successfully reintegrate into society.A Family-Based ModelBalgram operates on a family-based structure where each home consists of one mother and ten children. Currently, there are 18 such homes in Yerwada, housing around 80 children aged 6 to 13 years. Additionally, a separate Youth Center for 14 to 18-year-olds accommodates 20 students. Children receive education in well-known English and Marathi medium schools based on their interests and capabilities. The institution also provides facilities such as a library, computer lab, playground, and cultural hall, along with school bus transportation.Urgent Need for SupportThe institution incurs a daily expense of ₹20,000 to provide three meals a day for all children. Additionally, the costs of education, healthcare, and overall care exceed the government aid it receives. To ensure these children have a secure future, Balgram needs collective support from society in the form of financial contributions.How to Support Balgram?Under the Sakal Social Foundation’s "Social for Action" campaign, generous individuals, IT companies, CSR companies, industrial organizations, and NRIs can support Balgram. Donations can be made online by visiting https://socialforaction.com and clicking the "Donate Now" button. Donors will receive an official receipt and an 80G tax exemption certificate, which allows for a 50% tax deduction.Alternatively, donations can be transferred directly to the following bank account:
- Name: Sakal Social Foundation
- Account No: 459104000021252
- Bank Name: IDBI Bank, Pune
- IFSC Code: IBKL0000459
