An example of this is found to be the background behind PRAYATAN, a Non-governmental Organisation - coming into existence. Having experienced the anguish caused to the family due to sufferings of a very close family member who had been mentally handicapped, Chopras- Ms. Renu Chopra and her husband got inspired to do something comforting to less-fortunate, poor people suffering with disabilities and other miseries.

With such thoughts in mind, PRAYATN started working with slum dwellers living in JJ clusters in South Delhi areas of Govindpuri, Okhala (Phase-II), Kalkaji, Lajpat Nagar and East of Kailash.

Starting modestly with awareness generation activities and a survey to identify school dropouts and slow learners, PRAYATN has come a long way since it's inception in 1981. The activities and services provided by PRAYATN today encompasses a host of activities including-Early childhood care and development, Primary education enhancement, De-school for slow learners, Remedial education and non-formal education. The organisation's efforts towards ensuring participation of children in educational programme through enrolment in M.C.D. Schools; retaining children in schools, reducing dropouts and more particularly, special care for slow learners through it's De- school have been commendable.

The organisation's health care services providing basic curative services by Mobile Van donated by Govt. of Delhi and another Van donated by Population Foundation of India for providing a range of Reproductive Health Services not only enables PRAYATN to serve the downtrodden more effectively but it also reflects acknowledgement of it's competence and credibility by development funding agencies.

PRAYATN now proposes to set up a Static clinic with focus on child care services in Madanpur Khadar resettlement colony, presently inhabiting 6000 households with likely exodus of another about 10000 families to be shifted with in a few months to the resettlement colony .The clinic is expected to address the felt need of the area filling the existing void in such facilities. The Organisation has already been working in the area running a primary school and a Center for the aged and thus has been successful in building a good rapport with the community. The clinic also proposes to conduct weekly health camps to monitor health and growth status of children, de-worming and deficiency management.

SMILE Foundation's support to PRAYATN towards the proposed clinic is expected to provide basic curative treatment, including specialist care, to residents of the re-settlement colony; a comprehensive health care services to 480 children beside IEC & educational activities.

Among the other activities of PRAYATN are vocational training for skill development for women, Day Care Center for elderly and destitute women (devoid of family or institutional support solely depending on bagging). It makes a conscious effort to engage these women in meaningful and psychologically satisfying activities. Medical check-up, counseling, recreational facilities and supplementary nutrition are provided to these women. Involving these women in income generating activities besides Vipasana and religious Bhajans etc. are other activities intended to bring these women under the mainstream.

Another rather daring services provided by PRAYATN is through it's SVAVLAMBAN Center which serves as crisis intervention center for rape victims-facilitating medical help and examination, providing necessary counseling, helping access legal course of actions; besides providing support services and rehabilitation. PRAYATN's heroic efforts towards this particular social and criminal offence deserves all the kudos.

Other activities of PRAYATN include it's IEC and Community Mobilization, Women's empowerment (supported by IPP-VIII World Bank), Adolescent Family Life Education Programme (supported by CEDPA), Youth Development Project.