Ground Zero

A new baby is like the beginning of all things, hope, a dream of possibilities.

So it was on a wonderful evening on the 28th of May, 2002, that Archana and Aditya Soparkar were blessed with a bonny baby girl. She was named Arya (warrior woman, from the Aryan race).

As it is with a first grandchild, in no time, Arya became a cynosure of her Aaji, Aaba and Nani’s eyes.

Pampered equally by her parents, grandparents and a whole flock of relatives, it seemed the attention of the entire family was riveted on this little bundle of joy.

"mere ghar aayee ek nanhi pari,
chandni ke haseen rath pe savaar ..."

The advent of a baby girl brought new found joy and vigor in the Soparkar household. Life was one big fun-filled ride with every face breaking into wreathing smiles even if the baby would gurgle its delight.

(Arya at 5 months)

A dream of possibilities had definitely opened up, and the father and mother were basking in the sunshine caused by their pretty daughter. What more could you wish for? But destiny, it seems, had other plans.

For it was amidst such a serene evening on the 11th of December, 2002, that ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE…

The Beginning

This is a story…

Story of a child, who, at various junctures, diagnosed with everything from Rett syndrome to Autism, plunged the depths of despair and still came out smiling...

Story of a mother, who stood (and continues to stand) resolute and purposeful, albeit a bit shaken, determined to get her child ‘back’...

Story of a father, who has tried to act a lot more mature than he actually feels; who tries to look at the philosophical side of things without getting all too cynical...

Story of Arya’s Aaji and Aaba, who have aged 25 years in the last 7, but still manage (don’t know how!) to keep the spirit in the house going...

Story of the ubiquitous Rajesh mama, who has been 'always there' for all of us and selflessly spends all his free time teaching, playing with and educating Arya...

Story of Akka, Nani, Aparna maushi, Pravin and Darshan kaka, Varsha Aatya, Dr. Pravin kaka, Dr. Naik uncle, Saurabh Dada(s) and Taka didi who have been strong pillars of support for Arya...

Finally, story of a whole lot of family and friends without whom Arya would have found it difficult to reach where she is!

Come, find out how it all began and where it is going...