The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Differently abled showcase their talent

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Mar 25, 2006

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Differently abled showcase their talent

Kannal Achuthan

Puppet show by children of Karunai Trust was the highlight of the programme

CULTURAL PROGRAMME: Differently abled children perform a folk dance at the talent show organised by the Rotaract Club of Ambattur in Chennai on Friday. — Photo: M. Vedhan

CHENNAI: There were smiles all around. For each of the 300 differently-abled children, who participated in a talent show here on Friday, the occasion was one to celebrate.

Wearing make-up and colourful costumes, they sang, danced, acted and mimed at the show jointly organised by the Rotaract Club of Ambattur and ShiftDel solutions at the Raja Annamalai Mandram.

The event was more of a talent display than a contest. Every child was awarded a lunch kit at the end. The institutions working for the children's welfare won mementoes of appreciation.

Dance programme

One of the stars at the show was little Manikandan from Guild of Service Home. Just like actor Kutti in the film `Dancer', he performed a lively dance on one leg.

Another interesting performance was a puppet show by the children of Karunai Trust. The theme was that mentally-challenged persons were also employable if given the right kind of support.

Twelve institutions participated. The teachers and parents who came to applaud said that their wards were delighted with the opportunity to show their talents.

The show was also an enriching experience for the young organisers. Software consultant and Rotaract member V. Manigandan said three months of planning for the event had encouraged them to do more work for the physically and mentally challenged.

"It was difficult to get sponsorship in cash as the affected children do not usually come under the target group of commercial advertisers," Mr. Manigandan said. Hence, the club organised the event by itself, with considerable financial help from fledgling company ShiftDel Solutions in which Rotaracter C. Deena Dayalan is a partner. Most of the club's members are aged between 20-25.

Mr. Manigandan said Vasanth and Co sponsored the children's gifts and Jeppiaar College and A1 Logistics offered transport. The club's next plan is to urge corporate groups to offer employment opportunities for the mentally challenged.

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