Skip to content 
Our Journey
Our Journey
A combined section that tells the story, history, milestones, and achievements.
Navkshitij started its journey in 2003 as a daycare centre dedicated to persons with intellectual disabilities (PwIDs). From the outset, we’ve been organising unique activities that foster inclusion and development. Our late founder, Dr. Neelima Desai, was passionate about trekking and adventure. In 2008, she was inspired to organise treks in the Himalayan region. This adventure activity was organised year after year for nine years and to the Mullayanagiri in Karnataka. Over the years, we began organising annual holidays outside Pune to places like Kashmir, Bandavgadh, Agra and Bharatpur and even to Bangkok and Pattaya in Thailand.
In 2007, with the support of generous well-wishers, we established a Residential Rehabilitation Centre at Maruniji, in Pune, on previously unused government land. Through the collaborative efforts of trustees, parents of PwIDs, donors and our dedicated staff, we transformed this space into a thriving rehabilitation centre.
In 2023, we opened a new unit in Talegaon, where 40 PwIDs currently reside happily, apart from the 47 in the Maruniji centre.
Dr. Neelima Desai’s commitment to special education and social service has been recognised with several prestigious awards, including the Excellence Award from Autism Connect & Neuro Gen in 2018, presented by the Minister for Social Justice, Hon. Shri Rajkumar Badole. She received the Vocational Excellence Recognition Award (VERA) twice—from the Rotary Club of Pune Riverside and the Rotary Club of Pune Horizon—for her signature rehabilitation programmes for PwIDs. Vishwa Jagriti Mission Trust bestowed the Punyadham Award 2015 on Dr. Desai. The same year, Sakal Social Foundation and Gurunanak Foundation honoured her for her impactful contributions to society.
Navkshitij was one of 25 non-governmental organisations selected for a cash award by the Suryakant Pawar Foundation.
At Navkshitij, our journey is one of dedication, compassion, and transformation, and we continue to serve with compassion, dedication and long-term vision.
Milestones & Achievements of Navkshitij
Our Mission
To establish a sustainable and scalable solution for the rehabilitation of persons with intellectual disabilities (PwIDs) age 18 and above. This can be done by generating a caring, compassionate and empowered task force.
Our Vision
Navkshitij will be among the top training institutes for caregivers for persons with intellectual disabilities (PwIDs), age 18 and above, and senior citizens. We will also create good administrators by training them to run such an organisation effectively through our Administrators’ Training Programme.
We will achieve this by
- Nurturing compassionate caregivers through specialised, comprehensive, academic and applied training, which will address the entire spectrum of care-giving needs for disabled persons and senior citizens.
- Creating a cadre of postgraduates trained in every aspect of setting up and running small scalable and sustainable units.
- Providing practical experience at its well-established institute for PwIDs and through various associated social organisations.
- Raising the benchmark in caregiving on an on-going basis.
- Collaborating and creating a strong association in social communities and the business world.
Approach & Philosophy
How Navkshitij supports PwIDs with a unique methodology
At Navkshitij, we maintain a green campus that positively impacts the health and well-being of our resident PwIDs, About 90% of our staff is residential, fostering close bonds between the families of our staff and the PwIDs. We celebrate all festivals together, creating a vibrant and inclusive community.
To ensure a healthy diet, we follow carefully prepared diet plans for every PwID and we ensure that the PwIDs are provided fresh and nutritious meals.
Weekly meetings allow PwIDS to share their concerns. We respond positively to their needs, reinforcing our commitment to their well-being. Safety is a top priority at Navkshitij, with stringent measures in place in residential rooms and kitchen areas. We also provide solutions for parents facing concerns about the future of their special child, ensuring that they can enjoy fulfilling lives within our supportive environment. We actively engage with the community to raise awareness about the needs and rights of PwIDs.
Our monthly trekking trips, annual outings, shopping programmes and cultural events like the annual drama competition provide enriching experiences for both children and adults with intellectual disabilities. To foster a spirit of adventure and camaraderie, we organise activities such as the Parvati hill climbing competitions for PwIDs.
HELP THEM WHENEVER THEY ARE IN NEED
Become a Volunteer
Join us as a volunteer and feel & learn meaning of life with our resident PwIDs.
Sponsorship
Sponsor a program & individual PwIDs and contribute to transforming lives and creating opportunities.
start donation
Our donations help us empower adults with intellectual disabilities and create change in their lives.
Awards & Recognitions
Achievements that build trust and credibility
Dr Neelima Desai was honoured with the Excellence Award by Autism Connect Neuro Gen, Mumbi, in 2018 for Outstanding Contribution in Special Education. She received the award from the Minister for Social Justice, Hon. Shri Rajkumar Badlole.
Vishwa Jagriti Mission Trust gave * Punyadham Award 2015 “to Dr. Neelima Desi for her valuable contribution in the
social work, The award ceremony was took part at the Convention Hall of Punya Dham Ashram on the International Women’s Day on 8th March 2016 . This award was given from the hands of Mataji.
On December 26, 2015, Dr. Neelima Desai, Founder President and MD of Navkshitij, was honoured by the Sakal Social Foundation and Gurunanak Foundation with an award for hor contribution towards social service.
Mr. Santosh Munde, our special educator, was conferred the Best Teacher’s Award by the Rotary Club of Gandhi Bhavan. Dr. Neelima Desai received the Pune Abhiman Award from the Rotary Club of Pune Sports City for her contribution to society.
Compliances
- 1. Society Registration
- 2. Trust Registration
- 3. NITI Ayog
- 4. PWD
- 5. 80G
- 6. FCRA
