In this hi-tech, dynamic world of today with modern advancements in every sphere mankind too has become mechanical and has joined the rate for race for the ‘survival of the fittest'.

So, who is mentally challenged person? Being mentally challenged is a problem of the mind that affects an individuals thought, feelings and behavior. These disturbances often happen since the time of their birth or sometime due to fatal accident or incident that strikes them drastically. These disturbances often cause unhappiness and leads to socially unacceptable behavior.

It is traumatic for the family and near & dear ones at times, since the Mentally Challenged individual may find it difficult to cope-up everyday tasks and chores. Thus, the family plays a pivotal role in their lives, but not just caring, sharing but showering love in abundance and showing the individual that he/she is loved and wanted.

I recall what NIMH, Secunderabad told me when my daughter was a kid with Mentally Challenged to dedicate myself for this noble activity. It left a great impact on me when they said that they are no different from us and are not a target of ridicule. She may appear awkward in her mannerisms and behavior, but that does not make them a social outcast. They went on to say, that we are blessed to be normal yet have our very typical idiosyncrasies. So a mentally challenged person being intellectually subnormal naturally lacks any socialization or development thus making him less capable and independent.

It was as I grew up that I became more interested, sensitive and decided to have a peek into the world of the Mentally Challenged. I realized that mildly retarded children could not cope-up with normal school and it must have been hell for them. The more seriously retarded youngsters were identified sooner since they also had physical handicaps. I came across a number of persons, one being a cousin of mine, who had a genetic defect. Today she is 25 Yrs. and I feel happy and relieved that to a great extent she is independent and self-reliant, above all happy, contented and extremely affectionate to all.

The world of the Mentally Challenged can be very claustrophobic and lonely if the individual is not showered with love, patience and understanding. I feel each one of us, has a vital role to play as citizens. The Mentally Challenged do not need our sympathy, but we definitely can feel empathy and relate to their problems genuinely taking on the responsibility to sensitize ourselves to them and their families, so as to lead a happier and more meaningful life.