Kavita Baluni’s unwavering belief in the importance of family bloomed early in her life. Even before marriage, she dreamt of providing a loving home to a child in need, a concept that challenged traditional views within her family and culture. When she and her husband Himanshu decided to start a family, adoption was their natural path.

Their journey took an inspiring turn when they encountered Down Syndrome during their time in the United States. Undeterred, they actively sought to understand and embrace it. This newfound knowledge fueled their desire to provide a nurturing environment for a child with special needs. They firmly believed that every child, regardless of ability, deserved a chance at a loving family. Initially, their families expressed concerns about the challenges and future considerations of adopting a child with special needs. However, Kavita and Himanshu remained resolute in their conviction. They embarked on a transformative journey to adopt a child with Down Syndrome.

Veda, a 15-month-old girl with Down Syndrome, captured their hearts through photographs. Without a doubt, they knew she was destined to be their daughter. Despite being the first Indian couple to adopt a child with Down Syndrome, they welcomed Veda with open arms. “No one else wanted her,” Kavita shared.

The initial period presented a series of adjustments, including navigating doctor visits, therapies, and modifying their home to accommodate Veda’s needs. Veda faced visual challenges like nystagmus, strabismus, and myopia. To improve her eyesight and visual coordination, she wears glasses and undergoes regular eye patching. Additionally, she grapples with hypotonia, a condition that progressively weakens muscle tone. Shortly after arriving home, she began physiotherapy sessions.

Veda’s unwavering spirit and strength shone through every challenge. Her transformation from a fragile 15-month-old to a thriving and independent 6-year-old is nothing short of extraordinary. Today, she can swing, balance, and participate in activities that once seemed out of reach. Her ability to communicate verbally and her confidence in the water demonstrate her remarkable determination and resilience. Kavita and Himanshu cherish every moment with Veda, fostering her curiosity and abilities through playtime, exploration, and recently, homeschooling – a personalized approach that caters to her unique strengths and interests.

Veda has become their teacher, imparting invaluable lessons about acceptance, unconditional love, and the beauty of embracing differences. She has shown them that being different is not a limitation, but rather a unique strength to be celebrated. Through this journey, Kavita and Himanshu have learned to appreciate each moment, embracing life’s joys and challenges with grace and gratitude.