Free hostel for differently abled inaugurated at Sadashiv Peth

A free-of-cost fully equipped hostel for visually and physically challenged students was inaugurated at Sadashiv Peth on Sunday. The hostel can accommodate 40 students.
The hostel, Chaitanya Vishwa, is the brain child of Rahul Deshmukh, Founder President, National Association for the Welfare of Physically Challenged (NAWPC). The hostel was inaugurated by Shriniwas Patil, Governor of Sikkim, and Sonali Deshpande, Chairperson, Persistent Foundation.
“This hostel is for differently-abled students belonging to weaker sections of society. After they apply for the hostel, they will be called for a personal interview. If they clear it, they can avail of the hostel services for free,” said Deshmukh.
“As of now, we have only started a boys hostel owing to limited resources and financial support. However, it is my dream to open a hostel for girls in the heart of the city,” he added.
Talking about the sustainability of the project, Deshmukh said, “Persistent Foundation has funded Rs 20 lakh for the hostel for three years. Around Rs 4,500 will be spent on each hostel student per month. We need to stabilise the project and at the same time look for other organisations to support us.”
“Initially, we will only accommodate 40 students but  if we get more space we will increase the number. Students will be enrolled as per  their academic excellence. College students will be given priority as government aids are available to students up to Class X. The hostel is open to all students who are visually or physically challenged irrespective of any cast or religion or any bias. Even non-Maharashtrian students are welcome,” added Deshmukh.

Tuhin Deb