Our Journey of Impact Since 1979

Discover the story, mission, and people behind Sulabha Trust's four decades of community transformation through education and empowerment.

Est. 1979

About Sulabha Trust

Sulabha Trust Overview

Our Story

Sulabha Trust has been dedicated to serving the needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities since its inception in 1979. What began as a small effort by a group of concerned parents and professionals has grown into a respected institution offering comprehensive services to children and adults with special needs.

Over the years, Sulabha Trust has expanded its activities to include education, vocational training, therapy, and family support.

Through its various initiatives, the Trust has also worked to raise awareness in society about the abilities and potential of persons with intellectual disabilities, encouraging acceptance, dignity, and respect for every individual.

Today, Sulabha Trust remains committed to building inclusive communities, advocating for disability rights, and empowering every individual to reach their full potential through compassionate, specialized care and education.

Looking ahead, Sulabha Trust envisions strengthening its programs through innovation, partnerships, and community outreach, ensuring that individuals with special needs are given every opportunity to lead meaningful and independent lives.

Our Vision

To give proper place in the society to proper place in the society to persons with mental handicap belonging to various classes and rehabilitate then in the society as per their ability.

Our Mission

To conduct an institution (special school) for children with Mental Handicap which ensure all round (cultural,social,educational ,development of the special needs child).

Our History

Tracing our journey from a compassionate initiative to a cornerstone of support for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Sulabha Trust was established in 1979 by a dedicated group of parents, educators, and professionals who were driven by the urgent need to support children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. What began as a small support group has grown into a pioneering institution offering education, therapy, vocational training, and holistic care across Mumbai and surrounding regions.

Over the decades, the Trust has expanded its services and evolved with the changing needs of the community, always upholding its commitment to inclusion, dignity, and empowerment for individuals with special needs.

1979 – 1989

Foundation & Recognition

  • 1979 – School Inception: Started with 5 students and 1 teacher.
  • 1982 – Land Acquisition: Procured plot from MHADA.
  • 1985 – Government Recognition: Statutory recognition and grant in aid from Directorate of Social Welfare, Maharashtra State.
  • 1988 – Plot on Lease: Purchased plot from MHADA on lease.
  • Vocational Training Centre
1990 – 1999

Expansion & Activities

  • 1990 – Foundation Stone: Foundation stone for new building laid.
  • 1991 – International Achievement: Mast. Nitin P. Desai won Gold Medal in International Special Olympics (25 mt. Breast stroke).
  • 1993 – Vocational Training Centre: Two floors occupied; Vocational Training Centre started with 3 students.
    Vocational Training Centre
  • 1996 – Full Building Operational: All four floors operational.
2000 – 2009

Achievements and Silver Jubilee year

  • 2002 – Early Intervention Clinic: Started the Rujuta Hardini Amrut Gada Sulabha Early Intervention Clinic.
  • 2004 – Silver Jubilee year
  • Vocational Training Centre
2010 – Present

Continuing Growth

  • 2011 : Bhagini Sanskar Parishad hall was inaugurated on 5th Floor of the Sulabha Trust building.
  • 2012 : Ground floor was named after Late Mrs. Meena Ranade Multi purpose hall.
  • 2013 : Student Afrin Ansari participated in Asia Pacific games of Special Olympics and won Bronze Medal in Swimming.
  • 2018 : Hospitality Assistant Training for students was held in Collaboration with La Monnaine skills and Save The Children India.Eight students completed the course under skill development Ministry.
  • 2020 : Introduced the 'Sulabha Pranali" You Tube Channel during Covid-19 Lockdown. Teachers made videos on different topics in different curricular areas. students and parents could watch them from home thus their education and training did not suffer.
  • 8th August 2022 : The Sulabha Centre for Autismwas started for students diagnosed with Autism The Sulabha Trust took up the 18 month training in Multimedia course from Sept 2022 to 2023 . Five students successfully completed the course

Board of Trustees

Meet the dedicated individuals who guide our vision and strategic direction.

Mrs. Jayashree Jambhekar

Mrs. Jayashree Jambhekar

Founder

Dr. Manilal Gada

Dr. Manilal Gada

President

Mrs. Manjula Gada

Mrs. Manjula Gada

Vice-president

Mr. Suresh Jambhekar

Mr. Suresh Jambhekar

Trustee

Adv. Medha Behere

Adv. Medha Behere

Trustee

Donor Trustees

Acknowledging our generous donor trustees whose continued support powers our mission.

Mr. Amrut Gada

Mr. Amrut Gada

Donor Trustee

Mr. Mahesh Bhatawadekar

Mr. Mahesh Bhatawadekar

Donor Trustee

Mr. Ashwin Gudka

Mr. Ashwin Gudka

Donor Trustee

Managing Committee

Meet the dedicated professionals who bring our mission to life every day.

Dr. Manilal Gada
Dr. Manilal Gada

President

Mrs. Manjula Gada
Mrs. Manjula Gada

Vice President

Mrs. Nandana Bhatawadekar
Mrs. Nandana Bhatawadekar

Hon. Gen. Secretary

Mrs. Manali Gudka
Mrs. Manali Gudka

Jt. Secretary

Mr. Rahul Bhadbhade
Mr. Rahul Bhadbhade

Hon. Treasurer

Mr. Dhananjay Patwardhan
Mr. Dhananjay Patwardhan

Jt. Hon Treasurer

Dr. Mahesh Bhatawadekar
Dr. Mahesh Bhatawadekar

Member

Dr. Dipti Shah
Dr. Dipti Shah

Member

Mrs. Anuradha Jatar
Mrs. Anuradha Jatar

Member

Mrs. Sulabha Karunanidhi
Mrs. Sulabha Karunanidhi

Co-opted Member

CA Monika Gada
CA Monika Gada

Co-opted Member

Internal Committee (IC)

A committed team ensuring compliance, ethics, and internal governance at Sulabha Trust.

Mr. Dhananjay Patwardhan
Mr. Dhananjay Patwardhan

Chairman – Internal Committee

Mrs. Manjula Gada
Mrs. Manjula Gada

Member – Internal Committee

Adv. Medha Behere
Adv. Medha Behere

Member – Internal Committee

Mr. Rahul Bhadbhade
Mr. Rahul Bhadbhade

Member – Internal Committee

Rashmi Desai
Rashmi Desai

Member – Internal Committee

Mrs. Rekha Bhojane
Mrs. Rekha Bhojane

Member – Internal Committee

Mrs. Kiran Deshpande
Mrs. Kiran Deshpande

Member – External Committee