Samata Shikshan Prasark Mandal is a West Maharashtra based NGO created in 1984. It works for children, youth and adults with various types of disabilities, primarily those with physical disability, those who are mentally challenged, have delayed development, speech, hearing and other disabilities. SSPM is not just a non-governmental organization or special kind of school; it is a movement for the weakest in society. It is an awakening to treat differently abled people as equals in society.
VISION
A society that does not discriminate against differently abled people.
A world where differently abled people are treated with equality.
An environment that gives differently abled people equal opportunity and empowers them, hence enabling the differently abled.
MISSION
To make our students self sufficient, independent and to make them valuable members of society.
To tap talent from persons with disabilities in order to exploit the skills and abilities they posses, so we can enable them to become part of the modern world.
In 1980, in Koregaon taluka which is within the Satara district of Maharashtra, one bonded laborer was murdered. Mr. Parth Polke decided to look into this case. He found the bonded labourer had two dumb and deaf children who used to depend on their father to earn a living for them and for the rest of the family. He felt helpless and very sad. He says this situation inspired him to start a non-governmental organization for such needy and neglected children. He started an organization called Samata Shikshan Prasarak Mandal in 1984. Currently, this organization is running a school for Hearing impaired School and mentally challenged children.
Mr. Parth Polke was inspired by the work of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and decided to work for Dalit and marginalized communities. He is involved in various social issues and works for various social forums including Dalit Panther, Samajwadi Yuvak Dal, Samata Andolan, Bhimsena, Magasavargiya Shetkari Dharangrast Panchayat, Vidrohi Saunskrutik Chalval.
He has written a book called “Abhran” which has been included in the regular curriculum of Mumbai University.
Mr Polke has been working to strengthen and empower marginalized community members for the last 35 years. He has organized various campaigns for social, political and economic justice and lobbied for allocation of government land to Dalit and marginalized people through the implementation of the Vatan Abolition act.
He started this campaign with the support of non-parliamentary organizations. Through his work, 3000 marginalized community families will get a home from rehabilitation schemes implemented by the government. Many among them have completed their education and got jobs at governmental and non-governmental institutions.
