Our background
On 30th January 2015, GRIRR was founded with just 20 children with disabilities. In 2017, we connected with Kolkata Gives run by Mr. Mudar Patherya, who generously started sending essential physiotherapy equipment — a support that continues to this day, greatly aiding our growth. Understanding the vital role of aids and apparatus in rehabilitation, we expanded to producing artificial limbs.
We are dedicated to helping children achieve self-reliant adulthood by providing high-quality education, therapeutic support, and job placement services. We work directly with children and young adults with special needs, focusing on those from economically disadvantaged and socially marginalized backgrounds.
Our facility
We possess an 800 sq. ft. facility in Garden Reach, Metiaburz, undertaking treatments from 10 am to 7 pm. We possess another physiotherapy centre in Howrah which will be operational from January 2025.
Our
relevance
We are located just where we are most needed in Kolkata. Metiaburz comprises a population of around 350,000 people. Even at a one per cent penetration rate, the incidence of physical disability among children has been estimated around 3500 (apart from adults). There is only one NGO in Metiaburz that addresses the rehabilitation needs of children with disabilities – and that is GRIRR. There is one more reason that makes an NGO like us relevant to that terrain: the demographic profile of the population is low income; any incidence of disability within their families can affect disposable incomes, putting a premium on the need to rehabilitate children with speed and effectiveness. Besides, the neighbourhood mindset s reconciled to the interpretation of disability as a lifelong curse, making it imperative to provide hope.
Our culture
At GRIRR, our culture is one of caring plus competence. We are interested in the individual progress of each child; this is reflected in the customized services that we provide. Our culture also comprises competence: this is reflected in basic training for each GRIRR member [need some material on their certifications]. This has ensured a consistent recall: ‘If you go to GRIRR, you will be looked after well.’
Our ethical fabric
Mission
An inclusive development of society, where children with disabilities and person with disabilities have equal access to education, health, livelihood and good quality of life.
Vision
- Community empowerment and awareness about disabilities.
- Promoting inclusive development
- Facilitating access to services related to habilitation and rehabilitation.
- Capacity building of young persons with disabilities towards independence so that can live with dignity.
Goal
- Help children with disabilities cope with daily/personal chores
- Initiate formal education with the aim to mainstream them towards normal lives
- Enhance awareness on diverse disabilities
- Help create an inclusive society.
Values
Integrity
Professio
nalism
Accountability
Transparency
Team work
Gender
inclusion
Our code of conduct
We are not merely addressing the needs of 4000 children with disabilities in Metiaburz; we are engaged in a historic opportunity to transform the destinies and mindsets of 1.5 million people in the neighbourhood
We are forbidden to refer to the proposed development as ‘project’ or ‘centre’; we must refer to it as the Miracle of Metiaburz and no less (if we don’t see it as a miracle, no one will; each time we refer to it as a miracle, the reference will be self-fulfilling)
We are engaged in creating history that will benefit generations (this is not another chore)
We are engaged in creating an iconic landmark that people will come to see from all across India; this prospect should influence every decision we make
We must plan with a breadth of vision that benefits generations and not restrict our project as per the needs of today
We have a model ready to be showcased to the world; the money will not just come – the money will flow in; we will have more than we need; we may one day need to turn donors away
We are engaged in creating a new model of how disability will be addressed and treated across the marginalized
We are laying the foundation for the NGO to become a case study worthy of a Magsaysay Award
We need to believe every single word of this Code of Conduct, so that when we engage with non-believers, they see the conviction and passion in our eyes
We are engaged in transforming this NGO into an institution and reimagining the way India speaks of disability in the future
Seldom does such an opportunity to disrupt the dreary sands of everyday routine, complacence and ordinariness in our lives
We may be a small band of believers today, but one day we will transform the world
Visionaries of Miracle of Metiaburz
Silai Gully
Gifting stress? We’ve got you covered!
Presenting Silai Gully – A G.R.I.R.R initiative.
We’ve made the cutest, handcrafted gifts to add that extra sparkle to your celebrations.
Gift with love, handcrafted items made by mothers of children with disabilities.
Our
community initiatives
Skill training for youth with disabilities
Most youngsters with disabilities in Garden Reach need to commute long distances for gainful employment. Their biggest hindrance: low competence affects their employability. GRIRR responded with a skilling initiative; it provided basic hotel management training in collaboration with Mitti Cafe. Some 80 participants completed their training; we are happy to state that eight have been employed and are now financially supporting their families.
Aashayien Self-Help Group
Aashayien Self-Help Group (SHG) brings together individuals facing challenges to enhance awareness about disabilities and provide access to government facilities. The individuals are encouraged to save in banks. During the lockdown, they stitched masks for a living, generating which allowed them to support their families.
Trash to Treasure
This initiative by homemakers has helped provide clothes for each child celebrating his or her birthday at GRIRR. A private initiative provides a large birthday cake for all those celebrating their birthday each month.
KHOJ
We conducted this research during Durga Puja 2022 to ascertain the number of children with disabilities in Ward 134 of Kolkata (Garden Reach). Despite challenges, we identified 372 children with disabilities in just one ward. A sample wise approach indicated around 3,500 children with disabilities in the whole of Metiaburz. This estimation has only deepened our resolve to make a difference, considering that we presently service only around 10 per cent of our total addressable terrain.
Facilitating Disability Certification and Social Welfare Benefits
We also support persons with disabilities in accessing essential government services. Our team facilitates the process of obtaining disability certificates through the respective government hospitals, based on the applicant’s ward.
In addition, we assist beneficiaries in applying for railway concession passes and various social welfare schemes, including the Manobik Scheme, through which eligible children receive monthly financial assistance of ₹1000.
Till date, we have successfully supported over 300+ children in accessing these services and schemes.
The UDID (Unique Disability ID) card system has recently been introduced in West Bengal. Since its implementation last year, we have facilitated UDID registration for 46 children.
We aim to ensure that every eligible individual can access their rights and benefits smoothly, without barriers.
Disability Awareness and Early Intervention Initiatives
We actively conduct awareness programs across 9 wards to promote the prevention of disabilities, early identification, and understanding of disability rights.
These sessions are organised in collaboration with ICDS centres, primary schools, and high schools to reach children, parents, and community members at the grassroots level.
Through these programs, we aim to create awareness about early signs of developmental delays, encourage timely intervention, and ensure that children with disabilities are identified early and connected to appropriate support services.
We also focus on educating families and communities about the rights of persons with disabilities, helping them access available government schemes and services.
Drum and Band Initiative for inclusion and recognition
We have initiated a Drum & Band program with the objective of building a dedicated team where children and youth can showcase their talent and creativity.
Through structured training and regular practice, we aim to prepare participants to perform at prominent public platforms and large-scale events such as those held at Red Road and other major venues.
This initiative is designed not only to nurture their musical skills but also to provide them with a unique identity, boost confidence, and create opportunities for public recognition and inclusion.
Our goal is to empower them to stand proudly, represent their abilities, and be celebrated for their talent in mainstream spaces.
Empowering Youth Through Sports: Rugby Initiative
We have introduced rugby as a platform to promote inclusion, physical development, and confidence among children and youth. Through regular training sessions, participants learn teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.
The program encourages active participation of children from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities, helping them build strength, coordination, and self-belief.
Our objective is to create opportunities for participants to showcase their abilities in local matches and larger sporting platforms, while also fostering a sense of identity, belonging, and empowerment through sports.
Through rugby, we aim to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and highlight the potential of every child to thrive both on and off the field.
Technical Skills Training: Mobile and Computer Repairing
We provide mobile and computer training to youth with disabilities to enhance their digital literacy and improve their access to livelihood opportunities.
Through this program, participants learn essential skills such as basic computer operations, smartphone usage, internet navigation, and practical applications that are relevant in today’s digital world. The training is designed to be simple, accessible, and inclusive, ensuring that every participant can learn at their own pace.
Our objective is to bridge the digital divide and empower youth with disabilities to become more independent, confident, and job-ready. By equipping them with these skills, we aim to open pathways for employment, self-employment, and better participation in everyday life.
This initiative plays a crucial role in enabling youth to connect with opportunities, access information, and build a more secure and independent future.
Home-Based Therapy and CBID (Community- Based Inclusive Development)
In 2025, we initiated a Home-Based Therapy program to reach children with severe disabilities who are unable to visit our centres regularly. Many of these children have grown in age and weight, making it physically challenging for parents and caregivers to carry them to therapy sessions.
Building on this effort, we have introduced the CBID (Community-Based Inclusive Development) initiative to ensure that support goes beyond therapy and reaches the community level. This approach focuses on inclusion, accessibility, and empowering families within their own environment.
Through home visits, our trained therapists provide physiotherapy, positioning, mobility support, and personalised exercises based on each child’s needs. At the same time, under the CBID approach, we work closely with families, community members, and local systems to promote awareness, early identification, and access to services and rights.
Inclusive Education and School Admission Support
We actively support children with disabilities in accessing formal education by facilitating school enrolment and mainstreaming them into regular schools. Our team works closely with families to identify suitable schools and guide them through the admission process.
We coordinate with school authorities to ensure that children are accepted in an inclusive and supportive environment. Wherever needed, we advocate for the child’s needs and help schools understand how to accommodate and support children with disabilities.
In addition, we prepare children for school readiness through basic learning, communication, and social skill development, enabling them to adapt more comfortably in classroom settings.
Our goal is to ensure that every child gets the opportunity to learn, grow, and be included in mainstream education, building confidence and a sense of belonging from an early age.