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Challenged yet cheerful
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With its mission statement of "heal the world", the Shakti Foundation has been involved in sensitising the public to the special needs of the physically challenged. A report on its programme to mark World Disability Day.
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With glee-writ faces, they entered the swanky Spencer's Plaza on wheelchairs or supported by crutches and callipers. It was a day dedicated to them. And a day for the able-bodied to reflect on the special needs of the physically challenged.
It was the World Disabled Day - December 3 to be precise. Chennai-based Shakti Foundation (SF), which has been crusading the cause of the disabled with its "Project Ramp" supported by M. Balasubramanium, Managing Director, Mangal Tirth Estate Ltd., got up a programme to entertain the 300-odd gathering of disabled children and adults. Ace cinematographer-turned-filmmaker Rajiv Menon was the guest of honour.
As the group of SF volunteers enthralled the crowd at the atrium with peppy music and brisk dance numbers, what instantly struck one was the purpose of the show - namely integrating the physically challenged into the social mainstream. It was indeed heart-rending to watch the disabled sway to the beats and hum the popular notes. True, their abilities were limited, but their cheer was unlimited.
Adding deeper meaning to the show was the documentary (featuring Anil Kumble and directed by Rajiv Menon), which reiterated the need for ramps in public places so that the disabled could spontaneously come out of the agony of confinement and mingle with the mainstream.
The ramp at Spencer's Plaza itself is a fine example of the sensitivity to the cause of the physically challenged by commercial establishments. As the disabled entered the Plaza, their faces reflected a sense of newfound independence, thanks to the hassle-free access through the ramp. And this precisely is the quintessence of Shakti Foundation's endeavour.
Since its launch in 1992 by a teenaged boy Velan, himself a victim of Duchene Muscular Dystrophy, the Foundation has come a long way. Today, with Vasanth Raghuvir at the helm, it represents a movement with a mission statement of "heal the world".
Besides implementing its ramp project, the Shakti Foundation is also involved in a host of other initiatives to enrich the lives of the physically challenged.
For details, call 6611213/98400-36993.
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