Date:20/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/03/20/stories/2006032014300500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

At a special school on eve of its 16th anniversary

Staff Reporter

CHENNAI : There was music in the air and eager hands following the physical education teacher's instructions carefully. Aikya, a school for mentally challenged children, was readying itself to celebrate its 16th Foundation Day at Dakshinamurthy Auditorium on March 15.

"We teach students to read and write. We also concentrate on their social behaviour," says director Parvathy Viswanath. Ajay, 9, ran out of the classroom as rehearsals got over and stopped to straighten the chair he had disturbed. Sameera, 12, wiped the sweat off her face to serve biscuits and tea for everyone. According to Ms. Viswanath, if children with autism, cerebral palsy and other such disabilities are given time and personal attention, they could do any task whether it is dance, music, maths or exercise.

The celebrations were on from 5 p.m. on March 15 with cultural programmes by the students as well as gymnastics and yoga.