Pune family adopts mentally challenged child whom it had been taking care of

With Children’s Day just around the corner, seven-year-old Utpal could not have received a better gift. A mentally challenged child, Utpal was legally adopted by the Nelge family from the Bhartiya Samaj Seva Kendra (BSSK), an adoption centre in the city.

This is indeed a rare case where a family has voluntarily adopted a child with special needs, a practice which adoption centers across the country have been trying to promote with little success.

“He’s lit up our lives and we cannot even think of staying without him,” says Mangala Nelge (49), a widow and Utpal’s adopted mother.

Mangala’s association with Utpal dates back to when he was six months old and placed in her foster care. “When he came to our centre in September 2002, he weighed just 1700 grams and had severe respiratory distress. He was placed in neonatal care, but was just not progressing well. Even at 5 months, his weight was just 3.7 kg. Hence we placed him in foster care,” recalls Asha Avdhani in charge of foster care at BSSK.

The move almost miraculously turned around as Utpal gained weight gradually. His growth continued to be delayed though and doctors diagnosed him as a spastic.

Utpal continued to stay with his foster family where Mangala’s three children-Mrinalini (31), Makrand (29) and Milind (25)- rallied around him, showering him with love and attention. He was sent to Intervedia, a school for special children where he presently studies. He can recite songs and poems and knows the alphabet. However, the centre’s attempt to find him a family initially drew a blank.

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