I am a gynecologist and have been serving the people of the town of Madhira, in Andhra Pradesh, India, for over 35 years.   My eldest son, Daniel, born in September 1968, is severely mentally retarded due to a delayed C-section which resulted in the loss of oxygen to his brain.   Despite several efforts to find some solution to his severe retardation at the leading hospitals in Madras and Vellore, we were advised that there was no cure for him, and that he would be dependent for the rest of his life.

Following the demise of my husband, Dr. K. D. Prabhakar Rao in 1989, it dawned on me that I have to make long-term arrangements to help my son.  Dr. Jayanti Narayan, Director of the National Institute of Mentally Handicapped (NIMH), urged that I start an institution to help both my son and other mentally challenged children in Madhira and the neighboring villages.

Even though the impetus for founding the Sevasadanam School was deeply personal, Dr. Narayan's suggestion opened my eyes to the plight of other mentally retarded children and their families. In Madhira, the lack of any facilities to alleviate the condition of these mentally retarded children or to educate their families in their proper care, often led to the neglect of such children with heart-rending consequences.

The Sevasadanam School was started humbly in a small room with 3 mentally retarded children in 1989.  Today, I am happy to note that it has grown exponentially serving over 85 children and a staff of over 20 trained professionals.  It is my hope and dream that the Sevasadanam School continues to grow and be a beacon of light to the less fortunate and the neglected segment of our society, the mentally retarded children and adults, and their families.

Dr. G. Vasanthamma passed away on Feb 4, 2004.