A philanthropist, an educationist, a social worker, but most importantly a warm and kind-hearted person with the will and ability to ‘make things happen’, that’s Dr. Radhike Khanna.

Having devoted 29 years of her life striving for the development of people with special needs, Dr. Khanna broke away from the traditional mould to spark revolutionary strategies for their instruction and empowerment. She has worked tirelessly for the education, training and rehabilitation of the developmentally disabled, as well as for autistic children and young adults. Today, Dr. Radhike Khanna serves as the Vice Principal of SPJ Sadhana School, Mumbai and is the founder of Om Creations Trust and Shraddha Charitable Trust.

Tales of a transformation

Nihar was diagnosed with autism when he was four. After training at Sadhana for 14 years in various complex innovative and complex programs, he spent two years at an internship and now earns 3000 rupees every month. Despite the fact that men like him are written-off as worthless in society because of their disorders. Nihar now is independent, interactive and fun-loving. He has won singing competitions, walked the ramp in fashion shows and created garments with his unique Van Gogh style of painting. His artistic talent was displayed our painting exhibition in 2009. And he is regarded a dependable, integral member of Shraddha today. Personally Dr. Khanna had a difficult time with Nihar and so did his teachers, care takers and classmates. And now his painting hangs with such pride and love in

Sean Gandhi is an eye opener to the Indian society who believed that Down’s lack potential to work in the corporate world. During his schooling for 13 years at Sadhana, nursery through prevocational Sean he was counseled through several behavioral and cognitive issues. Several negative behaviors, hyperactivity and low attention span raised concerns. His family never thought he would be able to join the family business, diamond trading. But the effective programs at our school transformed Sean into a energetic, happy, sociable young man. His teachers say he seems to have a will of his own and is curious about his surroundings, but also shows remarkable improvement. The Diamond sorting program at the school equipped him to take on big responsibilities and contribute to the family business confidently. He now earns 25000 rupees monthly, which translates to around 500 us dollars.

Always innovative

Sadhana School doesn't just promote the students to be creative in art class, but take creativity and innovation seriously when designing the curriculum and therapies as well. Even if the students keep trying to bunk yoga because they don't like to bend. The teachers and staff encourage them and when motivated well students do wonders. Improvements in balance, calmness, behavior, memory retention, and countless others are witnessed as the students get more involved in their therapies and extra-curricular activities. Attention, love and care is devoted to each student regardless of all else.

Shraddha Charitable Trust

The tag line autistic on artistic says it all. 1997 to present, the creative abilities of mentally challenged young adults are further to create gainful employment. Beautifully designed handicrafts, eco-friendly gift bags, bowls, plates and many other items can be added to hold special meaning in homes.

Om Creations

The non-profit dedicated to employing mentally challenged women. Students from SPJ Sadhana School are absorbed into Om Creations after studying Visual Arts or Hospitality and Catering. Exquisite hand made pieces of chocolate, desserts for the sweet tooth, and a range of crafts for the shopper. Boxes, mugs, ceramic trays, key stands, jewelry, bags, scarves... just about anything. And with the sales there smiles grow wider!

All trained at the Hospitality & Catering form of SPJ Sadhana

Work and then play!

The extensive range of innovative therapies here at SPJ Sadhana are dedicated to improving the child's functional skills, social skills, communication and moreover smiles. We want to encourage are students to be passionate and growing individuals. And of course they make for great pictures!

How did you spend your summer?

The Skills Enhancement class of the Pre-Vocational Training has it’s first project out! The assignment was a pictorial representation of where they went in their summer vacations. This parent-child project was given as an opportunity for parents to bond with their children and show the enthusiasm that they do with their teachers. While their disabilities may slow them down in some ways, such projects urge the parents to involve themselves in the education of their children.