The routine battles fought by spastic children go unobserved, unacknowledged and unseen. The term generally originates from spasticity, a medical condition characterized by involuntary spasms, so the affected person can exercise no control over bodily movements as per their will. In other words, a spastic has an able mind in a disabled body.

Space, which is a registered public trust in Pune, an NGO hopes to usher in hope for such children. Launched on Tuesday, February 19, Space has been formed under the patronage of Ravi Paranjape Foundation with the object of working for the education and rehabilitation of spastics.

The rationale on which the organization has been founded springs forth from the fact that spastic children have functional brains, which can be drawn on in giving them a sense of merit and dignity through providing them practical and vocational training. Space has the active participation of the parents of the young spastics who have joined hands to commit themselves to the upliftment of these people.

"The parents of spastic children do not know how to keep them going on. Their caretakers are at a loss as to where to turn to for help and guidance when they grow up. At Space, we are devoted to the creation of a special and sheltered place for their children and many others who have not yet had the opportunity to shelter themselves. This is a necessity for an adult spastic which will help him find a purpose and sense of worthiness", says Manisha Kulkarni, one of the active members of the organization. "The Space family", as Manisha insists the group be called, "will aid its adopted spastic children to reach their own stars by giving them a chance".

The launch, which took place at SM Joshi auditorium in Navi Peth, saw the support of a very large community that came forward in an enthusiastic endeavor to encourage and bolster the noble cause. Jyotsnatai Sardeshpande, corporator, Pune Municipal Corporation was the chief guest at the inauguration which was followed by a vocal concert of Ashwini Bhide-Deshpande of the Jaipur Atrauli Kahayal Gayaki tradition.

Space runs a workshop for about twenty-five spastic students throughout the week with the help of trained educators, therapists, social workers and a team of helpers where the Space family could carve a space for themselves in the society in their peer groups.

The workshop comprises of activities like counseling and physical assessment, training in music, yoga and vocational training in simple occupations such as making paper bags and gift envelopes which can be sold so that these youngsters can earn a livelihood.