In the heart of a small village, a poignant story unfolded that highlights the resilience of the human spirit amidst dire circumstances. Nilima (name changed) is a mother who faced an avalanche of crises following her marriage. Juggling economic, social, mental and physical health challenges, she found herself in a nightmarish situation where survival meant making unimaginable sacrifices.
When Nilima's family abandoned her, leaving her to fend for herself and her two children, she resorted to desperate measures. Bound by the chains of poverty, she was found scavenging for scraps of bread, tying her children with chains to ensure their safety while she searched for food. It was a heartbreaking sight, one that led to her admission into the Snehalaya family, a sanctuary providing a home and shelter to those in need.
On March 20, our Sneh Manoyatri team, which focuses on mental health, arrived in Umbare village after reading about Nilima’s plight in the news. They encountered a home in disrepair, where the walls were crumbling, and the roof was barely holding on. Inside, Nilima’s children lay neglected, suffering from hunger and malnutrition.
Upon entering the dilapidated house, the team was struck by the chaotic environment. “Why is there so much junk in such a small home?” they asked Nilima. She explained, “This is my livelihood. I collect scrap materials from door to door; this junk is my only means of survival.” The team soon realized that despite her resourcefulness, Nilima and her children were living in unbearable conditions.
Nilima's background painted a stark contrast to her current reality. Once part of a respected family, her father and grandfather had contributed significantly to the village's development. Educated and holding a Master's degree in Social Work, her life took a tragic turn when her parents passed away, her siblings cut ties with her and her husband also abandoned her, leaving her with the sole responsibility of raising their children.
The societal stigma surrounding single mothers created additional obstacles for Nilima. Finding a job was futile, as she had no one to care for her children while she worked. Eventually, she resorted to collecting scrap metal — an arduous and time-consuming task that often left her and her children vulnerable and exposed.
Three weeks prior to our team’s visit, news broke of a mother chaining her children at a bus station, a desperate act that drew much media attention. Seeing this, our Sneh Manoyatri team initiated a search and discovered Nilima's whereabouts. Upon reaching Umbare, local villagers expressed deep concern for her and her children, revealing her struggles with mental health and her inability to care for them.
The villagers shared how Nilima often left her children alone while she scavenged for scrap and begged for food. Her reactions to them were often volatile, stemming from the immense stress and despair she faced daily.
On their first visit, our team engaged Nilima in lengthy discussions, sharing the mental health services we offer at our Manogam center and urging her to return there with them. However, she was resistant and it wasn’t until their second visit that she finally agreed to accept help. Welcomed warmly by our staff and community, Nilima and her children entered our center, where they could receive the care and support they desperately needed.
Thanks to the efforts of our social workers, journalists and local officials, Nilima is now on the path to recovery. Her children have been enrolled in a quality English medium school run by Snehalaya and their health is being monitored by medical professionals. This transition marks a significant turning point not just for Nilima but for her children, who will now have a chance for a brighter future.
Dr Suresh Pathare, Director of Ahmednagar's CSRD College, has commended our Sneh Manoyatri team for their exceptional work which could only have been done with the collaborative efforts of the local police, village leaders, and health professionals, illustrating the community's commitment to supporting members in need.
Since its inception in 2020, our Sneh Manoyatri project has successfully treated and reintegrated hundreds of mental health patients back into society, with the unwavering support of organizations like the Shraddha Rehabilitation Foundation.
This story of Nilima serves as a powerful reminder that, even in the darkest of times, there is hope and a path to recovery. Our Sneh Manoyatri team continues to work tirelessly to ensure that no one is left behind, extending a helping hand to those who need it most. If you encounter anyone in need of support, do not hesitate to reach out to the project at 9011011006. Together, we can make a difference!
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