3-day event to promote growth for differently-abled

In an extraordinary display of talent and will power, 15 schools from across the globe have come together to promote inclusive growth for the differently-abled.

Organised by city-based NGO Alpana, SAMBHAV is an annual event that aims to “empower challenged persons, particularly artists, through development of skills and enhancement of creativity in various fields of arts”.

The eleventh edition of the event that was inaugurated yesterday at India International Centre here will see participation of groups from Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Iran, Kenya, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UK, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Groups from Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telengana, and West Bengal will also be a part of the event. The programme opened with a performance by the students of the NGO, who presented Ganesha Vandana in Odissi style.

“The objectives of SAMBHAV are to promote inclusive growth and be a catalyst in fulfilling commitments of the global society towards persons with disability, to showcase inclusiveness of Indian society, and to work towards sharing of ideas, knowledge, achievements and experiences through sustainable interactions among different stake holders,” organisers said.

International performances included The Salvation Army Likoni School for the Blind from Kenya, JPUF – Bangladesh, Roma Foundation – Nepal, Vietnam Youth Theatre, Pathum Uyana – Sri Lanka among others.

SAMBHAV, this year, will also host seminars on artistic empowerment of disabled persons, an exhibition of art and craft by the differently-abled artistes from participating countries, as well as international workshops on both yoga and art and craft.

“Participating countries are also scheduled to sign a Memorandum of Understanding for mutual collaboration,” organisers said. The event will come to a close on November 13.