At the bustling Anand Vihar Bus Terminal, amid the crowd and chaos, a 15-year-old boy stood lost—physically present, but mentally adrift. When asked his name, he looked up and replied with a strange word: “Lallantop.” This moment marked the beginning of a remarkable journey of care, persistence, and quiet transformation.

Before the Fall

Pranit*, originally from Bihar, was once a curious and bright child. His parents—his father, a factory cleaner, and his mother, a domestic worker—recall how he would ask endless questions and eagerly watch the world around him. Life was never easy, but Pranit’s inquisitive spirit brought joy and hope to the household.

But everything changed four years ago. An accident in Bihar left Pranit with a brain injury, and the family still suspects foul play. What followed was a slow and painful decline with cognitive loss, emotional withdrawal, and a pattern of running away from home. He vanished to far-off places like Jammu and Jaipur, each time leaving his family in fear and desperation.

A Family on the Run, Seeking Safety

Terrified that someone might hurt their son again, and hoping to find better work, Pranit’s family relocated to Gurugram in October 2024. But the trauma followed them. Not long after settling in, Pranit disappeared once more.

This time, however, fate intervened.

Found, Not Forgotten

Our alert Transport Team at Railway Children India spotted Pranit at Anand Vihar Bus Terminal—disoriented, tired, and clearly unwell. At the Child Help Booth, he was given immediate care. It soon became evident he was a child with special needs, struggling to make sense of his surroundings.

Using all available channels, our team traced and reunited him with his deeply relieved family.

But the story didn’t end there.

A Case That Called for More

During team Railway Children India’s monthly case review meetings, Pranit’s condition stood out and was marked as a case of high vulnerability. That’s when our Family Reintegration (FR) team stepped in, with caseworker Usman leading the way.

Usman began by visiting Pranit’s home in Gurugram, building trust slowly through small activities—drawing together, making lists of likes and dislikes and talking gently about dreams and goals. These sessions, conducted twice a month, became a space where Pranit felt seen and heard.

Recognizing the need for medical support, we accompanied the child and his mother to IBHAS, where a psychiatrist assessed him. He was then referred to Kalawati Hospital, where neurologists and psychiatrists began his long-overdue treatment. Medication was started. But soon, new symptoms emerged.

There were moments of panic when the child suddenly lost movement in one hand. But the team acted quickly. He was referred to the Neurology Department, where nerve-related concerns were identified. Despite being 15, Pranit’s IQ assessment reflected the level of a 7-year-old. Physiotherapy was immediately started and is still ongoing, along with regular psychiatric follow-ups.

Every step of the way, Usman stood beside him.

A Quiet But Powerful Transformation

Since October, the change in Pranit has been nothing short of extraordinary.

He understands. He responds. And most importantly, he hasn’t tried to leave home even once in the past seven months.

He no longer runs away.

He serves his own meals.

He can write his name.

These may seem like small steps, but for Pranit and his family, they are monumental victories.

His mother, eyes full of gratitude, says:

“Aap nahi hote toh iska bhavishya kya hota?” (If it weren’t for you, what future would he have had?)

The Road Ahead

We are now helping Pranit secure his Unique Disability ID (UDID) Certificate, which will open doors to financial assistance, educational opportunities, employment reservations, and essential concessions in transportation.

Why This Story Matters

Pranit’s story is not just about a rescued child; it’s about what coordinated care, compassion, and long-term support can truly accomplish. It is a shining example of how Railway Children India’s Transport and Family Reintegration teams work in tandem to not just reunite families but to rebuild lives.

For children like Pranit, every small step forward is a triumph. And every triumph deserves to be told.

*Name changed to protect the identity of the child.