Date:13/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/13/stories/2007121354040400.htm

Tamil Nadu

Blind couple get tablas

Staff Reporter

Collector grants aid from District Fund for purchase of the instrument

SOUND HAPPINESS: Visually challenged couple Kamaraj and John Rosaline Mary with the tablas they received from Collector T.N. Venkatesh in Karur.

KARUR: The District Fund for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled has come to the rescue of differently-abled persons in Karur district yet again. This time round, a visually-challenged couple, who perform light music, have realised their dream of owning tablas to eke out a living, courtesy the Fund.

Kamaraj of Pasupathypalayam, Karur, and his wife John Rosaline Mary petitioned Collector T.N. Venkatesh for assistance to make both ends meet. They mentioned that they were light music performers in local orchestras and survived with the paltry returns from using rented tablas for the past decade and a half. They pleaded for money to purchase tablas so that the rental could be saved.

Mr. Venkatesh sanctioned Rs. 6,000 for the couple and District Disabled Rehabilitation Officer K. Jasmine arranged for a set of tablas.

Mr. Venkatesh handed over the tablas to the delighted couple. They expressed their gratitude to the officials and said the gesture had given them enormous hope for the future. Mr. Venkatesh appreciated their talent and urged them to use the instrument for their betterment.