♿ Every Child Deserves to Thrive
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, play and thrive. Yet, many children with disabilities continue to face discrimination, social exclusion and barriers to education, healthcare and essential services, limiting their ability to reach their full potential.
Recognising these challenges, Ruchika launched its first programme for children with disabilities in 2004 with the support of the Belgium-based philanthropic organisation Ruchika–Thomas Voor India, now known as the Bodhi Project. What began in a few urban slums has grown into a comprehensive community-based rehabilitation programme that continues to transform lives.
🌱 Our Initiatives
Today, the Bodhi Project supports children with disabilities across 20 slums in Bhubaneswar. In 2022, with the generous support of Normet, the programme expanded to 67 additional slums, enabling many more children and families to access essential services.
The programme provides home-based care, including counselling, physiotherapy, inclusive education support, recreation and family guidance. Ruchika also assists families in obtaining disability certificates, identity documents and entitlements, while linking children to healthcare, education and government social protection schemes to ensure they receive the benefits and services they deserve.
To promote inclusion and celebrate every child's unique abilities, Ruchika also manages Inclusive Parks and Vinod Kendras, where children with and without disabilities learn, play and grow together in an environment of acceptance, dignity and joy.
At Ruchika, we believe that disability should never limit opportunity. By empowering children, supporting families and building inclusive communities, we are helping every child realise their potential and live a life of dignity, confidence and hope.
📋 Services Provided (2024–2025)
🌟 Case Study: Biranchi is happy to go to school
Biranchi, an 11-year-old child from Chillipokhari slum, belongs to a very poor family. Suffering from cerebral palsy, he was out of school and deprived of government services and entitlements.
When reported, the Ruchika team member first tried to put him in school, but the government school authority refused to enroll him due to his disability. After strong advocacy by the team members, the Head Master enrolled his name in Class – V. Immediately, he started availing many government facilities.
Ruchika’s Physiotherapist started conducting physiotherapy sessions and taught his parents basic exercises. After a few months, Biranchi started developing. He is now able to do his own work independently. He is able to walk, run, and is happy to go to school.