JOIN USThe Foundation for Art and Culture for Deaf celebrated International Women’s Day recently by honouring physically-challenged women who had made a mark for themselves despite their handicap.
The event, held at a hotel in the City, began with the traditional Ganapati Vandana after which the women were felicitated by dancer Vani Ganapathy, Prestige Group director Uzma Irfan and actress Sonu Ramakrishna Jayamma, who was felicitated, is a national-level athlete and has done the State proud at various athletic meets.
“I am extremely happy to receive this award and hope that I can motivate more women to come forward and fulfil their dreams. Disability should not be made an excuse. In fact, it should be taken as a challenge,” she says.
The venue also had many physically-challenged artistes who create beautiful pieces of art. Ganesh Shetty, an artiste, had in fact displayed his work at the event. Others who were felicitated included Nikitha C, who has 90 per cent hearing disability. She is a diploma-holder in many subjects and is earning a living despite her disability. Anusuya B C teaches tailoring and has provided tailors to many garment factories. She also conducts rural camps and trains people in various skills. Varalakshmi is a role model for many women.
Visually impaired from birth, she has been working with physically-challenged women for the last eight years. She has obtained government schemes and pension for the physically challenged.
She has also got loans sanctioned for them. She says that it is a good way to motivate those who have disabilities. “I hope I am able to inspire many more to come up and help those who really need help. This is a good platform to create awareness about people who have disabilities,” she notes. P Sunitha, a qualified physio-therapist, has been serving people for the last five years.
Despite being physically challenged, she has proposed the names of 70 children for orthotic surgery and has also offered to help with post-operative care and physiotherapy. It was a proud moment for many women who had contributed to the betterment of the society and helped those with serious conditions.