How One Mother's Struggle Became a Lifeline for Thousands in Maharashtra's Hospitals

Shital Bhatkar has dedicated her efforts to supporting patients and their families after facing challenges while caring for her son. Her work includes providing meals and medical aid through initiatives like Don Ghas and With Aarya. These programmes now assist thousands across Maharashtra’s government hospitals. Bhatkar’s journey began when her son Aarya was diagnosed with Niemann-Pick C, a rare storage disorder, at just 18 months old. To confirm the diagnosis, the family had to send blood and skin samples to the Netherlands due to limited testing facilities in India. This experience inspired her to launch With Aarya in 2010, an organisation raising awareness about the condition and addressing patients’ immediate medical needs.

At KEM Hospital, Bhatkar helps by arranging wheelchairs, funding diagnostic tests, and supplying essential medical items. In 2015, she started Don Ghas, an initiative offering free, home-cooked meals to patients and their caregivers. What began with 50 food packets has now grown to serving around 1,200 meals daily across five government-run hospitals. Each meal includes dal, roti, sabzi, and a banana.

Veetika Deoras, SVP-Brands & Marketing at The Indian Hotels Company Limited, has praised Bhatkar’s work and the impact of her initiatives. Both With Aarya and Don Ghas continue to make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing medical and financial hardships. Bhatkar’s initiatives provide critical support to patients and their families. With Aarya ensures access to medical essentials, while Don Ghas delivers daily meals to those in need. These efforts have expanded significantly since their inception, offering practical help to vulnerable communities.