Robert M. Hensel, poet-writer and a leading figure within the disability community, once said: “There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more.” Members of the Siddapur Lions Club of District 317B would agree. While others might have seen limitations, they saw kids who deserved a chance – kids who could learn, grow, and achieve, if only given the right support.
This led to the establishment of the Ashakiran Trust in 1991 with the sole intention of helping children with disabilities become self-sufficient and confident.
Two years later, the club established a residential school for blind children in the Haladakatta village, Siddapura, Uttara Kannada. The land was donated by His Holiness Shri Jagadguru Murugha Rajendra Swamiji of Brihan Mutt in Chitradurga. Acknowledging the generous gift, the Lions named the school after the swamiji. Soon, the school expanded into a comprehensive support system for the differently-abled.
Today, the campus is alive with activity. In one corner, you might hear the rustle of paper as students learn envelope making, while in another, the tapping of computer keyboards echoes as young learners master digital skills. The air often fills with music from the learning center, where students discover their artistic talents. With activities ranging from plant nursery training to language laboratories, the trust ensures every child finds their unique path to independence.
However, what makes this place special isn’t just the facilities – it’s the transformation in the students themselves. Take the vocational training centre, established in 2019. Here, children who once faced uncertain futures now learn skills that open doors to government jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities. The trust serves 150 beneficiaries annually, with 19 dedicated staff members working tirelessly to nurture their potential.
The impact of this work hasn’t gone unnoticed – in 2016, the Karnataka State Government recognized Ashakiran Trust as the Best NGO serving the disabled. Yet for the Lions members and trust workers, the real reward is seeing their students stand tall with dignity and confidence, ready to take on the world.