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Saying no to 'R' word

Great Cause
Last Updated 29 October 2010, 13:52 IST
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It’s not about being politically correct but about being sensitive.’  These were the words that were repeatedly heard at an event held in the City recently.

 The event was in support of the massive signature campaign to have the ‘R’ word (retard) and its equivalent in any Indian language removed while addressing intellectually disabled people.

The event called, Be a Fan of Dignity, was held in association with Special Olympics Bharat and Ramesh Dembla, who had designed a separate collection to support the cause.

The event also had clips of Akshay Kumar, who is the brand ambassador for Special Olympics Bharat, Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif and Amitabh Bachchan pledging their support to the cause and urging others to do the same. Sugandha Sukrutaraj, Director of Be a Fan of Dignity, said, “The power of the youth is overwhelming! The 2,00,000 schools, from whom we have got support, have helped sensitise over ten million people by making them sign their support to the intellectually challenged community.”

The campaign, which has already crossed over nine million signatures, also got support from Bangalore as many professionals from the Kannada film industry and fashion industry came forward to sign their support for the campaign.

“I am very happy to be part of this initiative. I am personally meeting up and garnering support from the Kannada film industry and local schools. I hope the event will be able to assist in sensitising a lot of people to the cause,” said Ramesh Dembla.  He also gave a small preview of his collection which will be showcased at the grande finale event on October 30. Designed in red, black and gold, it signified bravery, determination and pride and 40 special children will be showcasing the collection along with Akshay who would be the showstopper for the finale.

The event will also have him awarding everyone who has achieved new records for the campaign and leading the pledge ceremony.  

The campaign aims to take the results to the Social Justice Department in Delhi and Parliament to ban the use of the word ‘Retard’ in India.

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(Published 29 October 2010, 13:03 IST)

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