Keekli Reporter, 30th November, 2013, Shimla
UDAAN, a Shimla-based NGO, actively working and catering to the special need of differently abled children, organized a community awareness campaign “Badhte Kadam V”, from 28th to 30th November, 2013, which concluded today with lively celebrations and dance performances by children at the Gaiety Theatre, Shimla. Lalita Rana, an active member as well as spokesperson for UDAAN informed that the three day Awareness Campaign on Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Himachal Pradesh began with a rally or Jaagrukta Divas on 28th November, in which parents and children took part. On 29th November an Early Intervention Seminar was organized by the NGO in which special educators, IGMC doctors, university psychologists and parents participated exchanging ideas and discussing the special needs of these special children. And todays’ Cultural Inclusion fest was organized to show that differently abled children were celebrating life as any normal kid in the society. The stage was set ablaze with performances by both, the normal as well as special children as the audiences clapped loudly encouraging one and all.
The programme began with the lighting of the lamp by Shimla Deputy Commissioner, Dinesh Malhotra, which was followed by a welcome dance Vandana by the group Dancers Divine. The tiny tots from Euro Kids School — who were accompanied by their Principal Ravine Singh — stepped on the stage and set the mood with an upbeat performance on the foot tapping song All Is Well from the movie 3 Idiots.
The next performance was by the Junior Section from UDAAN, who danced to the tune of Chanda Chamke from the movie Fanaa. The atmosphere was all fun and frolic for these kids who had no fear of the stage or the fact that they were any different from normal children.
Children from ABHI (Action for Barrier Free Handicapped Integration, Shimla) NGO, took the stage, dancing care free on the Punjabi song Saadi Gali Bhi Aaya Karo from the movie Tanu Weds Manu, which even had the audience whistling and clapping loudly.
The students of NSS RKMV were accompanied by their Programme Officer, NSS, Dr Sushil Kumar and Dr Shoba Barhatt, who gave three diversified performances. The first was a dance performance on the song Itni Si Hansi, Itni Si Kushi from the movie Barfi; a Himachali Natti and a solo dance performance on a patriotic song by Pooja. Other performing students were Pooja Negi, Shivani, Ritanjali, Shivika, Pooja, Sita, Monika, Prajwal, Sapna and Ankita to name a few.
The solo dance performance by Shanu Sood, a student of the UDAAN institution was equally energetic and inspiring for all. The Senior Section of UDAAN took the stage and danced on the number Hookah Bar from Khiladi 786. There was no hesitation or nervousness among any of the dancers or the fear of being on the stage, it was pure fun and enjoyment.
A special mention for all the teachers at UDAAN, Krishna Sharma, Rukmini, Sapna Sharma, Rama Chandel, Archana Thakur and Nisha Sharna; the Secretary, RS Rana and all those associated with this organization for understanding the needs of these special children and taking that one step extra in providing them with the best opportunities.
When “Disability is seen as Discover-Ability” then life becomes a celebration for both children and their parents as well as the society. By organizing such awareness campaigns, while educating the society at large about the inclusion of differently abled children among them will definitely make a difference in their lives. Such children no longer require our pity but our time, passion and involvement with them.
DC Dinesh Malhotra also announced a cash contribution of Rs 11,000/- towards the welfare of the children at the UDAAN Institute. He also expressed his concern over the difficulties being faced by the members of the NGO in running the day to day expenses and stated that he would take steps to help them in acquiring government land in and around Shimla to house these children in a permanent home.
It is our turn to take a step in this direction and be a part of their colourful world!!!
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