It is a home away from home. The Shishu Mandir at Ulsoor which was founded by a German, Hella Mundhra in 1983, believes in freeing children from oppression and providing justice.
Housing 186 children of various age groups, they were admitted from the nearby slums who were seriously sick, requiring intense medical treatment for many months. When they recovered, some of them expressed their wish of staying on at the home.
Hella could not turn away the heart-rending request of the children and thus, began to create a home only for them.
She followed the concept of a big family where each individual would be recognised. This is how Shishu Mandir came into existence. The Children’s Home offers support in three main areas: care and protection of children, in-country and inter-country adoption and support for women in distress.
Later, in 1993, an education centre was started offering free English medium education to children from the surrounding villages. Some of the unique features of the school include providing hot breakfast and lunch throughout the year (including all holidays).
The school maintains a teacher-student ratio of 1:10 with girls to boys ratio of 7:3, giving special weightage to girls. It also provides them with complete financial support till they start earning a livelihood.
Hussain, who was once housed at the Shishu mandir, is now doing his B.Com plus C.A from the Christ University while another inmate, Savitha is studying at Mount Carmel after geting a distinction in SSLC.
Another milestone for Shishu Mandir was the inauguration of their own Community College as part of their 25th anniversary celebrations.
The College provides skill training in the fields of Computer Application, Tailoring, Fitters, Electrical and Automobile training.
Being associated with the Shishu mandir for more than 15 years, Anand C, the Director, says “Service is religion”. The Manipal group of hospitals is providing medical services and charging a nominal fee for any services rendered.
Run entirely on donations, this home’s financial support has been through fund raising activities in Germany, and in the last few years, in India as well.
