Founded in 2001 by the determined mother-daughter duo Mangal Shah and Dimple Ghadge, Palawi has become a beacon of hope for HIV-positive children. In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, Dimple takes us through their noble cause
Vaishnavi Tikka
In a world that often dismisses the vulnerable, Palawi stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of compassion. Founded in 2001 by the dynamic mother-daughter duo Mangal Shah and Dimple Ghadge, this organisation has redefined the lives of HIV-positive children. What began as a modest effort in a small shed with just two abandoned girls has blossomed into a sanctuary for over 150 children. With its foundation rooted in love, they have touched the lives of more than 6,000 children, ensuring they receive shelter, education, healthcare and dignity.
Their journey is not just about providing care—it’s about defying societal prejudices and rewriting the narrative for children who are often stigmatised. In an exclusive conversation, Dimple Ghadge, founder secretary of Palawi, shared the story behind this extraordinary endeavor. “In 2001, we found two abandoned girl children. When we took them to the hospital, they were diagnosed as HIV-positive. That moment changed everything for us. We started working with people in red-light areas, and that’s how Palawi was born,” she recounted.
Today, they operate from three buildings, providing a safe haven for children of all age groups. Its logo—a growing sapling—symbolises the organisation’s mission to nurture these children and help them thrive. However, the path to this success was fraught with challenges.
“People around us often asked, ‘Why are you protecting such children who will die soon?’” Dimple revealed. Yet, these questions only strengthened their resolve. Education became a critical focus area. “Providing food and shelter was not enough. Schools refused to admit HIV-positive children and even when one agreed, there was blatant discrimination. That’s when we decided to start our own school, Gyaan Mandir, affiliated with the Maharashtra Board in 2013. We even opened its doors to underprivileged non-HIV students,” she said.
Healthcare posed another significant challenge. To ensure the children received adequate medical attention, Palawi established its own medical unit. The organization also goes beyond traditional care by emphasising skill development. “Once a child turns 14, they are encouraged to pursue arts or crafts like candle-making and stitching. The money they earn is saved for their future education,” she explained, adding that creativity knows no boundaries or prejudices. One of their most heartwarming initiatives is the Palak-Balak program, where an older child takes responsibility for a younger one. “For instance, a 15-year-old might take care of a 2-year-old, ensuring they’re safe and happy. This builds a bond of love and responsibility. Every night, the elder child writes a note to the younger one, fostering a unique connection,” she shared.
Funding, too, has seen an evolution. “Initially, we relied solely on individual contributions. As awareness about our work grew, we began receiving international funding from organisations like CAF America and explored crowdfunding avenues,” she highlighted.
The success stories from Palawi are a source of immense pride and inspiration. She shared one such story: “Two years ago, our students were barred from participating in a district-level sports competition. We pleaded for them to be allowed, even if they didn’t win. Out of 15 sports events, our children emerged victorious in 13. It was a proud moment that silenced many critics.”
Despite the obstacles, they have achieved a remarkable milestone: zero mortality under the Prabha Hira Pratishthan initiative. “Looking at the successful results of what you work hard for makes it feel worth it,” she shared, her voice filled with pride.
Palawi’s story is a powerful reminder that love, determination and a belief in the fundamental rights of every individual can overcome even the harshest challenges. It is not just an organisation; it is a family where children grow, thrive, and dream of a brighter future. As Dimple concluded, “We are here to give these children a life of dignity, and we will continue to fight for their right to live, grow, and succeed.”
This is the heart of Palawi—a place where hope finds a home, and lives are transformed every single day.
