Down’s Syndrome-Sneha Verma

Sneha Verma is 28years old, Down’s Syndrome adult, placed in the vocational unit of SBP, School for PWID at CBD, Navi Mumbai

Sneha Verma is trained in many skills. Main focus is Home science and housekeeping skills. She is learning Crochet, she is good in Painting she paints Diya, makes greeting cards, envelopes etc. This year onwards candle/ soap making and packaging has been introduced in her training program. She also makes Tea for the school staff at 3:00pm. She is a very good in dancing.

In 2015, she made India proud by winning a Golf medal for Swimming at Special Olympics World Games held at Los Angeles.

Sneha was admitted in SBP in 2005 when she was 11years old. She attended two schools previous to joining SBP. 

“SBP has helped our child to be confident and more outgoing.” Says her mother Madhu Verma. “She has lost fear of the stage. Even in areas of her weakness like speech she is not apprehensive of facing the audience.”

During pandemic, Sneha Verma was kept engaged in different activities through online virtual classes and on her own efforts she kept herself occupied with music and art n craft. She helped with household chores and did a lot of crochet.

As soon as Sneha was born Madhu’s gynecologist informed her husband. She was informed two days later but she refused to believe till her blood test results were done. Being a psychology student herself, Madhu was aware what Down syndrome entailed. 

“Acceptance came immediately to me.” She says.  

She was aware that Downs Syndrome has mongoloid feature, flattened face, small head, slanting eyes, small snub nose. Sneha had all of them. Most Downs children have some heart complication and within a few days of her birth, they were running to various cardiologists. 

“Our child was different, she was special so we needed to take special care of her” says Madhu Verma

Sneha's speech is not clear so at time its difficult to understand what she is saying especially for those with whom she interacts infrequently. Due to swimming she has developed auricular problems so there is no more swimming for her. 

“Her health is a major concern for us. She is a very friendly, cheerful and social person. Helping is her second nature. She is very out going always very disciplined in her day-to-day life. She likes to learn new things.” Informs Madhu 

Basic awareness of Down’s syndrome amongst Parents of such children is high, but for the rest of the population they are one amongst many children with disability. 

Madhu feels that there should be acceptance of these children in society. On observing prominent features of Down syndrome like Mongoloid features, palm lines she advises parents to consult Doctors. They should be vigilant about heart, eye, and speech problems, They even have weight issues.  They should be aware that these children are slow learners. 

Down syndrome children can lead a near normal life if they are engaged in a social or economic enterprise with a strong support system from the society and the government. 

Sharing some of the clippings during her road to fame 

Harshad Pajwe Starts Work

Many parents are disheartened when they have children, physically or mentally challenged. They need extra care, no doubt, but every person can contribute their bit to the society if their energies are directed towards a particular goal.

Harshad Pajwe, 27 years old person with downs syndrome was admitted at Swami Brahmanand Pratishthan, Center for PWID at Belapur in 2005. The main aim at this special school is make the person independent and the training is given accordingly, as per their ability.

It gives great joy to their teachers and family when their students show success, however small/big it may be, at least they try..and if they have somebody who have faith in them, then they can cross many hurdles.

Harshad has started his journey as vegetables vendor with the support of his family members. His shop address is Harshad Traders near Vidya Prasarak high school, shahabaz gaon sec 19  Belapur, NaviMumbai



His brother Dattaray was working in AGS PVT. LTD. His profile was ATM re-consolidation. Due to Covid infection, he suffered health problems therefore he quit his job, and started his own auto rickshaw service. His sister-in-law sells organic sanitary pads. His mother is housewife. 

The family has got together and has opened a shop that will sell onions, potatoes, garlic, coconut and dry coconut, while his SIL will continue her own business from the same venue.. The products are kept outside the shop for easy display for passerby.




 Harshad has severe disability, limited speech and poor money concept, so what can he do???

"He is severe but independent in personal skills. quiet, sincere and a good worker, he can work under supervision. Once learnt he can do simple task." Says Shirish Poojari, the founder of the institution.

Family is happy that they have found a suitable job for him to keep busy. Instead of concentrating on what he cannot do, it is better to concentrate on what he can do.

"He can help open and close the shop, clean the store. He can fill the baskets with onions and other things. He is able to do money transactions but under supervision. He can assist very well." Says Sukanya Venkataraman, Principal of SBP.

As a matter of fact, the family has no experience in selling vegetables but they found this an apt business for Harshad who will come and sit at store with his mother and SIL, he may not have much speech but he understands  the given instructions

while at the vocational unit at school, he took part in many vocational activities such as painting diyas during Diwali season, making paper bags, he is good at drawing and coloring. 

 "He follows instructions very well. Once he perfects a skill, he carries it out to the T. The only problem is that he is slow in his work." Says Sunt Marwah, his class teacher.

And now , as a proud owner of his vegetable shop, he will learn to manage it since his family has full faith in him.

His life is set.