Dr. Shruti More Bhardwaj: A Beacon of Hope for Disabled Children in Himachal Pradesh

A Moment of Recognition

Munish Sood
MANDI: On December 3, 2025, Himachal Pradesh gained significant national recognition when President Droupadi Murmu awarded Dr. Shruti More Bhardwaj the esteemed National Award for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. She was honored in the ‘Best Rehabilitation Professional’ category for her transformative contributions over the past decade in the remote mountainous areas of Himachal Pradesh.

The award was presented on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, highlighting her exceptional efforts in developmental disability care, early intervention, and community-led rehabilitation in Kullu district.

In an exclusive interview shortly after receiving the award, Dr. Shruti expressed that this recognition is a shared victory for the people of Himachal. She stated, “Parents are the first and most important therapists for their children. Their patience, strength, and love have inspired every step of my journey.”

A Life Transformed

Mumbai to Kullu: The journey that rewrote a life

Dr. Shruti’s journey is not just a professional path but a life transformed by compassion. Originally from Mumbai, she excelled academically, earning her Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy from Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, and was on the verge of pursuing advanced studies in the United States. However, a cycling trip to Himachal Pradesh altered her course dramatically.

During this expedition, she met Sonali, a 13-year-old girl with cerebral palsy, who was isolated due to societal stigma and ignorance. Witnessing the child's plight and her mother's distress profoundly impacted Dr. Shruti.

“That moment shattered something within me. I realized I could either pursue my planned life or choose a path that truly mattered,” she reflected.

Shortly thereafter, she decided to forgo her American dreams and permanently relocated to Kullu. She joined Handimachal, an NGO dedicated to supporting children with disabilities, and within seven years, she ascended to the role of executive head, spearheading community outreach and innovative therapy programs.

Global Recognition and New Initiatives

Her remarkable contributions soon gained international attention. She presented her research at the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine and was awarded the Young Connectors of the Future Fellowship by the Swedish Institute. Additionally, the Ministry of Women and Child Development recognized her efforts with the International Women’s Day Award for her service in Kullu.

Despite her accolades, Dr. Shruti felt a greater responsibility lay ahead.

Birth of Samphia Foundation: A Community-Centered Disability Model

To create a sustainable and inclusive framework for children with special needs, Dr. Shruti established the Samphia Foundation in Kullu. Its initiatives are now regarded as some of the most effective community-driven disability services in Himachal.

Aash Child Development Centre serves as a comprehensive hub for early intervention, therapy, and special education. Meanwhile, Therapy on Wheels is a mobile rehabilitation unit that reaches remote areas, ensuring that geography does not hinder access to care.

Furthermore, the Samphia Foundation collaborates with the RBSK program to enhance government-led rehabilitation services.

Samphia office-bearer Biju emphasizes the organization's core philosophy: “Parents are at the center of everything. They remain the child’s first therapist and the most powerful change-makers.”

A Message of Purpose

Himachal gave me my purpose: Shruti’s message to state

For Dr. Shruti, the mountains symbolize more than just a workplace; they are the foundation of her mission. “Himachal has become my home. The people, their struggles, and their resilience have shaped my purpose. This award belongs to them as much as it does to me,” she remarked.

She believes that the recognition from President Murmu serves as a reminder that disability care in rural India requires stronger systems, broader awareness, and more compassionate professionals willing to engage at the grassroots level.

In a region where challenging terrain often restricts access to specialized health services, Dr. Shruti’s initiatives have emerged as a model for rural disability rehabilitation, providing thousands of children with opportunities for education, mobility, dignity, and inclusion.