Overview of Navjivini Society
Founded on November 10, 1981—coinciding with the International Year of the Disabled—Navjivini Society was established in Patiala to focus on the education, prevention, and overall development of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). It stands as a pioneer in the region north of Delhi.
Evolution and Growth
Humble Beginnings: After initial challenges in raising awareness and convincing families, the Navjivini School of Special Education officially opened on April 02, 1981, at the New Police Lines Colony on Jail Road, Patiala, starting with just one special child, named Mini.
Current Capacity: The institution has grown significantly and currently serves around 180 special students, with 96 residing in the on-site boarding house.
Geographic Reach: Admissions now extend far beyond Punjab, drawing students from Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan.
Infrastructure and Philanthropy
The school’s expansive infrastructure is the result of dedicated community support, voluntary donations, and institutional backing exceeding fifteen crore rupees.
Land Contributions: Sardarni Satwant Kaur of Sular generously donated land in both 1981 (one acre for the school) and 2000 (an additional acre for the Sadhu Basant Residential Care facility, which currently houses about 70 adult residents with IDD).
Sunny Tower–II: Sardar S.P.S. Oberoi funded the construction of this six-story tower to address the school’s expanding accommodation needs.
Hostel Evolution: Due to early spatial constraints, the hostel relocated multiple times—moving to an outer-city private building in 1987, then to a semi-government building in Tripuri (facilitated by IAS S. Tarlochan Singh), and later to the Working Women Hostel on Jail Road in 1992 (supported by DC Sh. S.P. Karkara).
Key Initiatives and Programs
Navjivini has spearheaded numerous social integration and developmental programs:
Special Olympics: Hosted the 1st Punjab State Special Olympics in 1998 to promote recreational and sporting engagement.
Basant Milan: Celebrated annually on February 14, inviting students from regular schools to foster social integration.
PEHCHAN-2000: Launched in December 2000 as a landmark three-day cultural workshop showcasing the creativity of special children from across neighboring states.
Academic and Professional Recognitions
Navjivini is officially recognized as a center of excellence for training and education:
Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI): Identified and recognized for conducting various levels of teacher training programs, including bridge courses.
Bhoj Open University (Bhopal): Designated as a study center for foundation courses, diplomas, and specialized programs.
NIEPIDD (Secunderabad): Approved to conduct the Diploma in Special Education (IDD).
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NAME: NAVJIVINI SCHOOL OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
A/C NO. 10002101616
BANK: STATE BANK OF INDIA
ADDRESS: NEW OFFICERS COLONY, PATIALA, PUNJAB
IFSC CODE: SBIN0008303
Contact Us
NAVJIVINI SCHOOL OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
SULAR, PATIALA – 147001, PUNJAB – INDIA
+91 77195-52300, +91 99883-16100
navjivinischool@yahoo.com