In the heart of Delhi’s bustling chaos, where millions walk past the invisible lives of street children, one organization chose to stop, look, and change their fate. Salaam Baalak Trust (SBT) has become a sanctuary for thousands of vulnerable children, giving them not just shelter — but hope, dignity, and a future.

🏁 Foundation & Background

Salaam Baalak Trust was founded in 1988, inspired by the critically acclaimed film Salaam Bombay! directed by Mira Nair. The movie revealed the raw reality of street children and sparked a movement. Dr. Praveen Nair and Dr. Sanjoy Roy took that cinematic cry for help and transformed it into real-world action — creating a trust that would become a lifeline for Delhi's forgotten children.

What began with just 3 committed individuals has grown into a team of over 280, working tirelessly to give every child a chance at a safe, meaningful life.

🌪️ Challenges & Struggles

The journey was never easy. From rescuing children from railway platforms to confronting legal barriers, SBT’s path has been paved with hardship. These children came with trauma, abuse histories, and shattered trust. But SBT met each story with empathy, not pity — building a child-centered environment where healing was possible.

Financial constraints, staffing, and street-level dangers didn’t stop them. Instead, they sharpened the Trust’s resolve and led to stronger systems of care, outreach, and protection.

📈 Growth & Milestones

In 2011, Salaam Baalak Trust was awarded the National Award for Child Welfare by the President of India. But their true achievements lie in the eyes of over 100,000 children who’ve been rescued, rehabilitated, and reintroduced into mainstream society.

Key milestones include:

• Establishment of multiple Children’s Homes and Open Shelters
• Launching the acclaimed City Walk Programme — led by former street children
• Integrating performing arts, vocational training, and education into recovery programs
• Engaging over 280+ trained staff and volunteers across Delhi-NCR

💚 Current Work & Impact

Today, Salaam Baalak Trust runs 6 open shelters and 5 full-time homes for children, including:

• Arushi & Udaan Homes for Girls
• Aasra, DMRC, Apna Ghar Homes for Boys
• Uday and ODRS Open Shelters

Each center provides food, safety, healthcare, education, and emotional support. Beyond that, children are introduced to arts, theatre, digital literacy, and job skills — to help them dream beyond survival.

They also conduct weekly mentorship sessions, medical camps, and legal aid for children in conflict with the law or survivors of trafficking.

🔮 Vision for the Future

The vision is bold but clear: A world where no child has to live on the streets.

Salaam Baalak Trust aims to:

• Expand rehabilitation services across India
• Establish a mental health unit dedicated to trauma healing
• Increase partnerships with schools and corporations for job placements
• Digitize education and create online learning modules tailored to rescued children

📞 Contact Us & Support the Mission

Your support can transform a child’s life. Whether you donate, volunteer, or spread the word — every action counts.

📍 Address: 2nd Floor, DDA Community Centre, Chandi Wali Gali, Paharganj, New Delhi, 110055

📧 Email: contact@salaambaalaktrust.org | tanya@salaambaalaktrust.org

💖 Support Opportunities:

• Volunteer and internship programmes
• Sponsor a child’s monthly education or meals
• Join the City Walk Programme
• Partner for fundraising and CSR events

🙏 Final Word

To care for a child who has known nothing but hardship is the highest form of humanity. Salaam Baalak Trust doesn’t just rescue children — it restores their right to dream. And in doing so, it restores our collective hope.

“They gave me books, food, and school — but what I remember most is the hug I got on my first night here.” — Former SBT Resident

⚠️ Disclaimer

This blog is based on publicly available content and details from the official Salaam Baalak Trust website (https://www.salaambaalaktrust.com). It has been created solely as an act of service and awareness to support NGO-to-NGO collaborations and public participation. All due credits and content rights belong to Salaam Baalak Trust. This initiative uses their publicly shared information for awareness, collaboration, and donation support purposes, aligned with social good and seva.