A fun-filled Sunday for the special children

Those who participated in this fair were all ‘special.’ More than 350 differently abled persons including the kids with their caretakers took part in the annual event ‘Vishishtarigagi Vishishta Mela-2011’ organised by Asha Jyoti, a unit of Seva Bharati.

The differently abled children, whose activities are usually restricted to within the four walls of a room, were bestowed with an opportunity to go out, enjoy the amusement rides, participate in simple games, taste delicacies and undergo free medical check-up from the expert physiotherapists.

As many as 15 food stalls sponsored by various organisations were set up in the venue and every differently abled person along with his/her family and teachers were allotted with coupons of all stalls.

“Our sole aim is to ensure that every differently abled person who arrives here should enjoy every minute. They are free to choose the food of their preference, can opt for camel ride, can take part in the amusement games,” said Seva Bharathi Trustee Dr U V Sheony speaking to Deccan Herald.

For 80 year-old Vimala Prabhu, though it was a hard task to manage her differently abled daughter in the crowd, she could not afford to miss the fair as attending the fair makes her daughter feel happy. “None at my home agrees to accompany my daughter to the fair. So I have come along with her. This is for the second time we are taking part in the fair and I am sure my daughter will cherish this memory for next few days,” she said.

Free medical check-up

The expert physiotherapists, ortho specialists, paediatricians and speech therapists from KMC and Father Muller Hospitals were present throughout the day, examining the participants and assisting the parents.

An exhibition cum sale of the products prepared by the students and teachers of Chethana Bala Vikasa Kendra was a centre of attraction. The woolen mats, rock Ganesha, painted pots and paper bags were some of the products that were on display.
Meanwhile, the fire service personnel demonstrated life saving skills to the participants.
Earlier during the inaugural programme, MCC Commissioner Dr K N Vijay Prakash said that the task of setting up of special ‘play park’ for differently abled kids in Gandhinahgar park will be completed within next three months.

With the support from the donors, MCC intends to establish two more such parks, he said and added that special privileges will be given for differently abled persons under Comprehensive Development Programme (CDP).

A book -’Cerebral Palsy’ authored by Dr Suchitra was released on the occasion.

 Felicitated

A differently abled Sudha Ratna from SDM Mangala Jyothi School, Vamanjoor was felicitated for her achievements. Despite suffering from Cerebral Palsy, Sudha stands a class apart for her ability as an artist. She said “I love to paint landscape paintings and Ganesha. I also wish to be a singer someday.”