Navkshitij: Home for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities

The major concern of parents of 70 lakh Persons with Intellectual Disabilities is: Who after me?

At Navkshitij, we provide lifetime residential care for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (PwIDs), treat them with respect, help them preserve their self-dignity and provide a barrier-free environment to blossom and stay happy. The PwIDs feel accepted, grow in confidence and become a valued part of the community.

Direct Beneficiaries

0 +

Community Reach (Yearly)

0 +

Lives Impacted

0 +

Staff Members

0 +

Navkshitij is more than just an organisation—it is a movement

Navkshitij is a movement supporting over 70 lakh people with intellectual disabilities (PwIDs) in India. It offers sustainable residential rehabilitation, ensuring dignity, safety, and respect. Navkshitij also supports parents with peer groups for sharing concerns and solutions, serving as a home and therapeutic center to foster belonging for PwIDs.

Primary Point of Contact

Prof. Smita Shetty

Managing Trustee at Navkshitij

The Model– Navkshitij Approach

The Navkshitij Approach is a holistic model focused on empowering PwIDs through personalized care, skill development, and community integration for a fulfilling life.

Family-like care:

Creating Comfort: A Supportive, Family-Like Environment

Holistic Wellness

Promoting Wellness: Enhancing Health and Resilience

Social integration:

Building Connections: Fostering Relationships and Community

President's Message

Over 20 years, Navkshitij has grown and evolved beyond sustainability. We have established a safe haven where IDs can live a life of health, dignity and happiness. The Navkshitij model has withstood the test by fire, time and time again. The smile on the faces of our special friends says it all.

Our focus now is on scalability. The world needs hundreds of such homes. Empowering people to create these homes is our vision and mission today.

Become a Social Entrepreneur

Make an Impact: Join Our Team and Volunteer to Support PwIDs

Join as CSR

Empower Change: Join Us as a CSR Partner and Make a Lasting Impact on PwIDs

Programme

Holistic Programs for Empowerment, Skill Development, and Disability Awareness

Vocational & skills training
for adult PwIDs

We provide vocational training
and job support, with several
PwIDs successfully employed.

Awareness Programmes for
Students & Coporates

We run programmes to foster
disability awareness among
students and corporate groups.

Comprehensive Training
for Caregivers

To address India’s caregiver
shortage, we offer a three-month
basic caregiving course.

Volunteer participation

0 +

Corporate Participation

0 +

Interns Participation

0 +

Yearly Activities

0 +

Blogs

Discover the stories, news and updates of Navkshitij unfolding in our blog.

Pressing need for data, research and a centralised portal

A brief overview of the intellectually disabled (ID) population globally, particularly in India, highlights the enormity of this challenge. The

Action plan

THE series of blogs will be inconclusive and open-ended without an action plan or a strategy to deal with the

Our Zen Masters

OFTEN, I am accused of being conservative and overprotective of our special friends. As a parent, I confess I stand

Case Studies

A deeper dive into the life of PwIDs, Uncover the insights from the case study

Ajinkya Goundaje

Vansh Nehara

Manali

Our Trusted Partners

Hear from Those
Who Know Us Best

Discover how Navkshitij has impacted lives through the experiences and stories shared by our community.

Padma Bhushan Dr Vijay Bhatkar Father of Param Computer

It is a pleasant change to see an organization where staff at all levels are humble and genuinely believe in service to society. They really care for the cause of the mentally challenged people, taking utmost care of them. Planning across all activities is meticulous and the meals are made as per nutritional guidelines. Navkshitij is an organization that is as professional as it is humane.

Mr. Sunil Vanarse Managing Director, Pune IT Park

I have been associated with Navkshitij for many years. Desai Doctor Couple, especially Dr. Neelima, have devoted their career to the cause of betterment in life of the adult special children in our society which is very commendable. This is an understatement, because these unfortunate people have no option or alternative to look for support while they lack in the basic physical and intellectual capacities or skills to live normal life. Desais are indeed angels for them. I hope that many people from our society will understand their sacrifice for these God's Children and participate in their good work.

Mr. Anirudh Deshpande MD, Amanora City

You should see this place in person. The mentally challenged persons are very happy. You can't believe it. I couldn't believe it. The first time I wondered how I'd ever be able to interact with them. But it was pretty easy, with the staff helping. The wards here actually have a bonding with you if you visit regularly. It's amazing, this place. Hats off to the people who conceived it, the people who are running it and the people who are helping them run it.

Ms. Nicki Allit Global Head – Syngenta

We had a great visit to Navkshitij and were able to understand more about the programs at Navkshitij and meet some of the special friends. It was truly moving and very inspiring. We thoroughly enjoyed the dance and particularly the cricket match!

Mr. Anirudha Todkar Trustee, Navkshitij, and MD, MAPS Industries (I) Pvt. Ltd.

I have known the Desai family for quite some time now and I had heard lots about the activities of Navkshitij from late Dr. Neelima Desai and our present founder president, Dr. Chandrasekhar Desai. It was only after joining the Board of Trustees of Navkshitij, in December 2021, that I actually got to see the tremendous efforts being put into building this organisation that works tirelessly, round the clock, for the betterment of special friends, some of whom are physically and intellectually challenged.

Prof. Smita Shetty Trustee, Navkshitij, and Professor of Management, BMCC, Pune

I joined Navkshitij first as honorary PRO in December 2021. I started visiting Marunji on Thursdays and got interacting with the staff and the caregivers. I realised that the caregivers are angels doing God's work. They keep our Friends happy. They truly give CARE. Every time I went back learning more about what compassion and empathy truly mean and what pure emotions are. Navkshitij is a well-oiled machine that is running smoothly on its own steam.

Mr. Krishna Prakash Commissioner of Police, Pimpri-Chinchwad

Visitted Navksitij, a unique institution for mentally challenged friends as chief guest of its 18th annual day. Unfortunately, the founder president Dr Neelima Desai's soul departed to her heavenly abode due to a rare disease. Her soulmate and life partner Dr. Chandrashekhar Desai is passionately and relentlessly working as the new president to make it a nodal centre for our mentally challenged friends. When these special children saluted me, I was really overwhelmed. Jay Hind!

Dr. Rajendra Hiremath Well-Wisher

I got an opportunity to participate in the 18th anniversary celebration of Navkshitij Sanstha. This organization is unique in creating joy in the lives of mentally challenged children and their parents. The next phase decided by the organization is also going to be a unique initiative. Best wishes for Navkshitij's activities. Thank you!

Anna Lisa Pieper Ex-Resident volunteer from Germa

After waiting for three long years, I could finally come back to India and visit my beloved Navkshitij family. From 2017–18, I was a volunteer, supporting the special friends in their daily lives and making handicrafts in the workshop. In 2019, I came back for a visit; now, in 2022, I am so grateful to meet them again. Nothing can describe the magical moment of coming there and the special friends calling out, “Anna Tai, Anna Tai, we missed you!”

Linn Bergmann Ex-Resident volunteer from Germany

I worked in the Day School for mentally challenged kids. At the beginning of a school day, we sing a lot. After that, we do some activities with them. Some of the children thread pearls; some are able to write numbers or letters. All of them are so different and it is difficult to teach everyone the same thing. We also go outside to play and after that. We have different activities like drawing and painting.

Laura Stranzl Ex-Resident volunteer from Germany

Home for the mentally challenged. This and some more information through the website were the only things I knew about the place. At the beginning, I felt a bit uncomfortable in my skin. Now that is gone. I feel I can be myself over here. Navkshitij feels more like a real home than I would have ever expected. The life I am living feels so familiar I can hardly believe that it was for only one year.

You can make a difference by supporting us!

Donations

Our donations help us empower adults with intellectual disabilities and create change in their lives.

Click Here

Volunteer

Join us as a
volunteer and feel & learn meaning of life with our resident PwIDs.

Click Here

Sponsorship

Sponsor a programme & individual PwIDs and contribute to transforming lives and creating opportunities.

Click Here

CSR Collaboration

Partner with us through CSR to support inclusive care and social change.

Click Here

Upcoming Events

Parvati Hill Climbing Competition

A signature event for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and autism. Participants test their physical fitness and take on new challenges, fostering growth and motivation.

Shopping Program

A biannual activity where residents with intellectual disabilities use their earnings from sheltered workshops to purchase gifts and essentials for their loved ones, encouraging independence and financial management.

Monthly Trekking Program

A one-day adventure every month, where participants explore historical forts and connect with nature while gaining historical insights.

Dr. Nilima Desai Natya Karandak

An annual drama competition showcasing the artistic talents of individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism, with participation from over 20 organizations and 70+ performers.

Life at Navkshitij Vocational Training Events and Celebrations Community Support Explore Gallery Outdoor Activities Art and Creativity Leaders & Staff

The major concern of parents of 70 lakh Persons with Intellectual Disabilities is: Who after me?

Navkshitij is more than just an organisation—it is a movement

Primary Point of Contact

Prof. Smita Shetty

The Model– Navkshitij Approach

Family-like care:

Holistic Wellness

Social integration:

President's Message

Become a Social Entrepreneur

Join as CSR

Programme

Vocational & skills training for adult PwIDs

Awareness Programmes for Students & Coporates

Comprehensive Training for Caregivers

Blogs

Case Studies

Ajinkya Goundaje

Vansh Nehara

Manali

Our Trusted Partners

Hear from Those Who Know Us Best

You can make a difference by supporting us!

Donations

Donations

Volunteer

Volunteer

Sponsorship

Sponsorship

CSR Collaboration

CSR Collaboration

Upcoming Events

Parvati Hill Climbing Competition

Shopping Program

Monthly Trekking Program

Dr. Nilima Desai Natya Karandak

Subscribe Newsletter

Navkshitij

Programmes

Resources

Get Involved

©2025.Navkshitij.All Rights Reserved

Vocational & skills training
for adult PwIDs

Awareness Programmes for
Students & Coporates

Comprehensive Training
for Caregivers

Hear from Those
Who Know Us Best