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Keekli Reporter, 3rd December, 2014, Dhalli, Shimla
If you are disabled, it is probably not your fault, but it is no good blaming the world or expecting it to take pity on you. One has to have a positive attitude and must make the best of the situation that one finds oneself in; if one is physically disabled, one cannot afford to be psychologically disabled as well. In my opinion, one should concentrate on activities in which one’s physical disability will not present a serious handicap.
― Stephen Hawking
A district level function to mark the World Disability Day was held amidst lots of fun, frolic and dance as special children had a gala time singing and dancing here today at the Dhalli School for Visually and Hearing Impaired Students. Dr Col Dhani Ram Shandil, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment presided over the function as the chief guest, while Additional Deputy Commissioner Yunus, D.K. Rattan, H.A.S., Additional District Magistrate (L&O), District Welfare officer Onkar Chand, Tehsil Welfare Officer, Shimla, Sumitra Chandel, School Principal Vinay Kumari and representatives from various institutes such as Udaan, Arushi and ABHI were all present during the occasion.
The opening address was given by the District Welfare Officer, Onkar Chand, who warmly greeted the chief guest Dr Shandil, ADC Yunus and all the children present from different NGOs and schools accompanied with their teachers and parents to mark the celebrations. He spoke about the importance of providing the right paraphernalia and support to special children. He further enlightened about various schemes offered by the government to help differently-abled children. He said, “The department is now issuing disability cards without the necessary income proof and children with 40 per cent and above and those with more than 70 per cent disability were eligible for various pension schemes and could easily apply for them at the district health hospital”.
Speaking on the occasion Dr Shandil said that it is important to identify talent among special children so that they can be encouraged to be a part of our society without being discriminated at any level. If any one ability is taken away from these kids they are still blessed with immense talent and aptitude. And they so proved it right by giving such beautiful performances today through their singing and dancing. Music is one such form that binds all together and brings cheers in all our lives, he further added. He also applauded the efforts of all those who were taking special care of these children and as a token of his goodwill he gave a sum of Rs 21,000/- to the students of Deaf and Dumb School Dhalli for procuring sports shoes. He said, that the state was giving different incentives to special children, such as study stipends, grants to disabled people of marriageable age, as well as opening of special schools for higher education among other additional benefits. Regular awareness camps were also being organized by the department so that parents and guardians could become conscious of different benefits available to special children.
ADC Yunus also personally interacted with the children and spent some quality time with them. He enquired about the difficulties these kids faced and assured them that the department would take necessary steps to look into their problems. He also said that to showcase the creativity of special children, an excursion would soon be organized for these kids.
A special medical camp was also organized by the Health Department, Block Mashobra, during which various doctors treated the kids for common ailments. Dr Pallavi and Dr Vivek were from the medicine department, Dr Bhawna Dass from Dental and Dr Vandana Gupta from Eyes who checked the kids and were supported by the paramedical staff Sanjog Negi and Ram Prakash Sharma. They treated the children for common sicknesses such as colds, cough, stomach aches, dental problems, eye irritants etc. In case the problem seemed severe they were being referred to the concerned department for future examination. Free generic medicines were also distributed by the department in lieu of the World Disability Day celebrations. Paramedic Sharma informed that a team of doctors conduct regular check up on the kids on every Thursday, for their well being and advise them accordingly about good hygiene and sanitation.
A variety entertainment programme was then presented by the kids. The welcome song title ‘Vande Mataram’ was sung by the visually challenged girls from the Portmore School, followed by another melodious song ‘Door Hai Manzil’. It was time for the kids from ABHI school who amazingly danced Bhangra after which the kids sung a song titled ‘Saare Jahan Say Accha’. Boys from the host school then gave a vibrant performance on a Bollywood number. Students from Udaan sung another sweet song, thus winning the hearts of all present. Sunny and Abhishek, both visually impaired mesmerized everyone with their voice as they sang beautifully. Tiny tots from Arushi School of Hope danced on a couple of rhythmic numbers to entice the audience. Another surprise item was an informative and very light hearted and humours act by the members of the Department of District Public Relation office, who spoke about various schemes offered by the government for differently-abled persons.
ADC Yunus then gave away the prizes for the sports and painting events held on the previous day and tug of war and musical chair event as well as children were also given blazers.
Winners of Painting Competition
Senior Group
First: Radha Raman, from Deaf and Dumb School, Dhalli
Second: Vivek Thakur, from Deaf and Dumb School, Dhalli
Third: Jatin, from Deaf and Dumb School, Dhalli
Junior Group
First: Aayush from ABHI
Second: Rahul from Udaan
Third: Pratul from Arushi School of Hope
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