About Us

Prasanthi School for Children with Special Needs under the aegis of Navajyothi Charitable Trust is a well-known institution in Kerala imparting scientific and systematic training exclusively to children with intellectual challenges and developmental delays. It has consistently won the best special school award in the state for many years.

Deeply moved by the plight of such children hailing from financially and educationally under privileged families in and around Calicut, Dr.Ramarishnan Palat founded Prasanthi School in the year 2000. The stigma and subsequent ostracization these families faced was heartrending. Since special education was expensive and far beyond their reach, he decided to give them education free of cost. From a rented single room school with 4 kids and a caregiver, the school has grown into a huge complex designed to cater to each and every need of these disabled children. The courses offered include Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy. Occupational Therapy, Medical Care and Intervention, Dance and sports activities, Vocational Training and IT based Curriculum Implementation. The task before the visionary founder was formidable, the challenges far too many. Yet he braved all the storms with an iron will and steely determination. In this effort he was ably supported by generous benefactors and well-wishers from all over the state.

Looking back, Dr. Palat, the members of Navajyothi Trust along with the teaching and nonteaching faculty of Prasanthi school have many achievements to boast of. About 50 children have joined mainstream schools. The reports from these schools confirm that they are doing exceptionally well in curricular and co-curricular activities. 7 students have already joined the non-teaching faculty at Prasanthi school, their alma mater. Their confidence and efficiency are inspiring and reassuring to the parents who worry about the future of their children.

More significantly, it is a matter of great pride that the Prasanthi experiment has also led to the removal of the stigma and marginalization the hapless families face to a great extent.

More and more people are now aware of the plight of the special children and the anguish and frustration of their parents. Empathy has at last replaced revulsion. The steadily growing number of people eager to join this noble venture confirms it.