Ehsaas and Pooja became friends at their home for mentally challenged

LUCKNOW: Widely referred to as the ' Mowgli girl' , 10-year-old Ehsaas who was found in the Terai forests of Katarniyaghat in January this year, could only move on all fours and make screeching sounds till two months ago. Now, she can dress up, ask for food and communicate with actions and gestures - all thanks to her "best friend" Pooja.

Pooja is a 16-year-old mentally challenged girl who can hardly express herself. But the teenager has assumed the role of Ehsaas' mentor, friend and emotional support. It has been almost three months since Ehsaas and Pooja became friends at their home for the mentally challenged, and though neither of them can speak properly or understand words, they share empathy and even wisecracks with each other.

"From waking her up to helping her freshen up and getting dressed and then feeding her to accompanying her to the daily exercise session, Pooja is always with the girl. She has developmental challenges of her own but the two have excellent coordination and understanding," said Suresh Dhapola, the doctor running the home.

The two start the day together and even though the home provides help to all differently-abled inmates, Pooja makes sure she is the one who takes care of Ehsaas. Whenever Ehsaas requires anything she goes to Pooja. Surprisingly Pooja understands exactly what she is looking for. "Ehsaas makes gestures to make herself understand, like whenever she is thirsty, she points towards a glass and Puja gets her water," said Dhapola.

Ever since her health has improved, trainers are teaching Ehsaas the basics of everyday living such as how to eat, using cutlery, folding her clothes, bathing and brushing her teeth. But those looking after her believe she learns best when Pooja explains things to her in broken language and incomplete actions.

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