Special Children of God

03/05/2026

Mother Rukmakka Tallur - Founder of the Igatpuri Schools for the Special Children of God

12/04/2026

Being welcomed at the PPSSM owned schools for the cognitively, and hearing & speech impaired kids

Igatpuri - 8 January 2026

07/04/2026

*Subject* - Emotional Intelligence Test for *Teachers and pratipalaks*

*Teachers and pratipalaks* in special schools for cognitively challenged and hearing or speech impaired children need a high level of emotional intelligence (EI).

High EI helps them stay calm, patient, and kind. It builds a deep sense of empathy for every child. It also helps them understand feelings that the child may not be able to express in words. With strong emotional intelligence, teachers offer better support, build trust, and create a space where children feel safe and confident.

With the help of *psychologist Monoshree Mukherjee*, we conducted an Emotional Intelligence Test for 36 teachers and pratipalaks.

It is heartening to see that on three key parameters, *viz. self awareness, self motivation, and empathy,* a majority performed well.

However, areas like emotional control and social skills need more attention.

After the summer break, possibly in July or August, Amitatai Burde, Shilpa Deshpande (or their associates) Monoshree Mukherjee, I am planning to conduct a two day workshop for them.

Here is the summary of the EI Test reports.

If you desire to have the full reports, please write to me.

*PS: Just to share, I have been conducting these tests during my pharma management sessions too, though at a more advanced level.*

Vivek Hattangadi

22/09/2025

Teachers' Day (Guru Utsav Divas) at Igatpuri Schools

Teachers' Day at Igatpuri Schools was celebrated with joy and enthusiasm on Saturday, September 13 2025.

This year, the teachers held a special moment.

They came together to create a vision for Indira Bharati KarnBadhir Nivasi Vidyalaya.

Their idea was simple but powerful — to give these children hope and a bright future.

Ms. Monoshree Mukherjee a trained psychologist had earlier conducted an IQ test for the Hearing and Speech Impaired students – The Special Kids of God.

The results were wonderful. Many of these children scored above average IQ.

What does this mean?

It shows us that, with the right support and care, these kids can grow up to be useful and successful members of society.

The teachers worked together to craft an inspiring Vision
Statement which you can see in the photograph.

Now, everyone at the school will focus on this vision — to help these children learn, grow, and shine.
This is a step forward in giving them a better life and hope for the future.
Await more on this very soon.

07/03/2025

Mother Rukmakka Tallur – The Woman of Substance

In the bustling city of Mumbai, at ‘East and West Villa’ at Grant Road, amidst the chaos and clamor, lived a woman whose heart beat for the voiceless and the forgotten.

Mother Rukmakka Tallur, a freedom fighter, a Hindi teacher, and a relentless advocate for the underprivileged, was a woman of substance whose life story is a tapestry of sacrifice, love, and unwavering determination.

Mother Rukmakka’s journey began in the throes of India’s freedom struggle. She fought alongside countless others, her spirit unbroken, her resolve unshaken.

But when independence was won, her battle was far from over. She turned her attention to a different kind of revolution – one that sought to uplift the marginalized and give hope to those who had none.

As a Hindi teacher at the Hindi Prachar Sabha, Mother Rukmakka touched countless lives, instilling in her students not just knowledge, but also the values of empathy and service. Yet, her heart ached for the children who were left behind – the ones who couldn’t hear the world’s melodies or grasp its complexities, the ones society often ignored.

With a heart full of compassion and a vision as vast as the sky, Mother Rukmakka began her mission in Mumbai.

She walked the crowded streets, knocked on countless doors, and approached strangers with a gentle smile and a persuasive plea. She collected used clothes, food grains, and whatever little funds she could gather.

Her efforts were tireless, her dedication unwavering. She saw in every child a spark of divinity, a light that deserved to shine.
Her dream took shape far from the city’s noise, in the serene hills of Igatpuri, a small, tranquil town.

Here, she envisioned a residential for the 'SPECIAL CHILDREN OF GOD' – the hearing impaired and cognitively challenged.

With the help of kind-hearted donors and her unyielding spirit, she founded the 'Punyatma Prabhakar Sharma Seva Mandal', a residential school that would become a haven for over 130 Adivasi children.

The school, nestled in the lap of nature, was a place of love, care, and transformation. Special teachers and staff worked tirelessly, their patience and dedication mirroring Mother Rukmakka’s own. While children elsewhere attended pre-schools and play schools, here, the cognitively challenged were given toilet training, their small victories celebrated with tears of joy and pride.

Mother Rukmakka’s life was a testament to selfless service. Her days were long, her nights often sleepless, but her spirit never wavered. She believed in the goodness of people, in the power of collective effort to bring about change. Her school stood as a beacon of hope, a place where the marginalized found acceptance, love, and a chance to dream.

As International Women’s Day approaches, let us remember Mother Rukmakka Tallur – a woman who dedicated her life to the upliftment of the underprivileged, a woman whose legacy continues to inspire and transform lives. Her story is a poignant reminder of the power of one individual to make a difference, to touch countless lives with love and compassion.

Come, visit the school in Igatpuri at least once. See the smiles on the faces of these special children, feel the warmth of their gratitude, and you will understand the depth of Rukmakka’s sacrifice and love. Her life was a testament to the strength and resilience of women, a tribute to the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and bring about change.

Mother Rukmakka Tallur – truly, a woman of substance.

28/09/2024

A Tactile Journey for the Senses

Walking through different textures of the ground surface can be a profoundly enriching experience for intellectually and aurally challenged children. Engaging their sense of touch can have numerous benefits:

• Sensory Exploration: Exploring various textures can stimulate the tactile receptors in their feet, providing a rich sensory experience.
• Cognitive Development: Differentiating between textures can enhance their ability to discriminate and categorize information, improving cognitive skills.
• Emotional Regulation: The tactile sensation of the ground can be calming and grounding, helping to regulate emotions and reduce anxiety.
• Motor Development: Walking on uneven surfaces can strengthen their muscles and improve balance and coordination.
• Sensory Integration: For children with sensory processing disorders, exploring different textures can help them integrate sensory information more effectively.

By providing a variety of tactile experiences, walking through different ground surfaces can enhance the sense of touch, promote emotional well-being, and support overall development in intellectually and aurally challenged children.

Veena Hattangadi Hema Jadhav Sh*tal Jade Vijay Bhoir Siddharth Bhoir Vidhya Ambhore Ganesh Ghodekar

28/09/2024

The Sensory Garden: A Haven for God's Special Children

Part I

Nestled in the tranquil surroundings of Igatpuri, a sanctuary has been created for the most precious souls—our intellectually and cognitively challenged children, and those who are unable to hear or speak. The Sensory Garden, a labor of love funded by Divgi TorqTransfer Systems and built through the selfless dedication of the staff and teachers of Igatpuri Schools, is a testament to the power of compassion and community.

When I last visited in January, the garden was still in its infancy. Yet, the sheer determination and unwavering spirit of those involved were palpable. Returning just a few months later, I was overwhelmed by the transformation.

The Sensory Garden, now in full bloom, is a living testament to the incredible impact that can be achieved through the combined efforts of caring individuals.

The Benefits of Sensory Stimulation for Intellectually and Aurally Challenged Children

Sensory stimulation, which engages the five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell), can offer significant benefits for intellectually and aurally challenged children. How?

• Enhanced Cognitive Development: Sensory experiences can help these children develop a greater understanding of their surroundings and improve their cognitive abilities. For example, touching different textures can help them learn about shapes, sizes, and materials.

• Improved Communication: Sensory stimulation can aid in communication development, especially for aurally challenged children. By engaging their other senses, they can better express themselves and understand the world around them. For instance, using sign language or tactile symbols can help them convey their thoughts and feelings.

• Emotional Regulation: Sensory experiences can help regulate emotions, reducing anxiety and stress. For example, the soothing sensation of a weighted blanket or the calming scent of lavender can promote relaxation.

• Increased Engagement and Motivation: Sensory stimulation can make learning more engaging and enjoyable, leading to increased motivation. For instance, using colorful visuals or hands-on activities can capture their attention and make learning more meaningful.

• Sensory Integration: For children with sensory processing disorders, sensory stimulation can help them better integrate sensory information, improving their overall functioning. For example, providing opportunities for controlled sensory input can help them regulate their senses and avoid sensory overload.

In essence, sensory stimulation provides a rich and meaningful way for intellectually and aurally challenged children to explore the world, develop their skills, and enhance their overall quality of life.

As I ventured into this sensory haven, I couldn't resist the urge to experience it first-hand.

I embarked on a journey along the winding path, my senses awakened by the diverse textures beneath my feet.

Each step was a revelation, a symphony of sensations that danced across my toes, heels and my soul.

My heart swelled with admiration for Mother Rukmakka, the guiding light whose unwavering faith and selfless love ignited the creation of this haven. Without her divine inspiration, this sensory sanctuary would have remained a mere dream, a vision unfulfilled. Her blessings, like gentle rain upon parched earth, nurtured the seeds of compassion and hope, allowing them to blossom into this extraordinary garden of healing and joy.

Mother Rukmakka's spirit permeates every corner of this sacred space, a silent yet powerful presence that whispers words of encouragement and understanding to each visitor. Her legacy lives on in the laughter of the children who frolic among the fragrant flowers, the touch of gentle hands exploring the textured pathways, and the hushed conversations that echo through the tranquil air.

As I wandered through the Sensory Garden, I felt a profound sense of gratitude for Mother Rukmakka and all those who had contributed to its creation. Their love and dedication had transformed a barren landscape into a place of wonder and healing, a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit.

26/08/2024

From Veena Hattangadi and Hattangadi

10/04/2024