One could never imagine of an Institution… so near to Ahmedabad and still so unknown, . Second thing that would strike  will  be the fact that the sponsor of the Institute and its Director, Niruben were equally unknown. Niruben, very simple but dignified,  just 45 years of age… one of such young women who  would  not  take to social work as their life's goal. Such social service is considered the job of white haired ladies whose family life is all set, no work in the house or where the daughter- in- laws have taken over the rains of family life.
This age - that of Niruben, is considered prime period of life… when maturity is just emerging and the youth is bidding farewell --- just out on the door step. One would wonder why Niruben has accepted the responsibility of such 65 disabled girls? What made her to take such a  challenge ? "Is she married? Or that she could not bear a child or was there a big shocking incidence?""or did  she get an inspiration to do social work as many people get entangled in such activity? In which category she will fall?
        If one would dare to ask; Niruben will just smile  and say " Bhai, all your doubts, assumptions and queries are partially right - partially wrong…you see, I am married and still unmarried. I have not delivered a child but I am still a mother.. I have suffered from many shocks,.. that too severe shocks, still I have survived. Coming to social work, I had an inclination for it since childhood… now I am an addict". She will tell her  story… history of Manthan..its origin  in short:
Before continuing-- telling her life story- her autobiography… Niruben ensures that none of the girls - her daughters- were within ear shot - hearing range. .
I was then young, just entering the threshold of womanhood, studying in a College, and  was made to marry to a boy of a decent family- decent according to my father --a Police Inspector.
On nuptial night,  full of expectations and still embarrassed/worried- I was waiting for my husband in our bed room: Guests had gone or were just going and my husband entered the bed room: Just like any woman on such occasion, I collected my  physically as also mentally:- Mentally more as  I was just on the verge of getting a Bachelor's Degree, and had to face and live with a person, who was educated only up to vernacular level…
Every one would wonder how my father considered the boy's family a decent one? The answer is reflected in the fact that the boy was employed in Iraq…. A foreign country: Education had to be balanced against foreign currency and the prestige it brought/purchased.
However, the husband was more nervous than myself and suddenly asked- a very odd question; a wrong one at the wrong time "I feel, you do not like me?"
I very mildly asked "Why such a question?"