IN FULL BLOOM: A colourful array of artificial flowers on display at the exhibition at Maris Stella College in Vijayawada. — PHOTO: RAJU V.

VIJAYAWADA : The rich spread of brightly coloured artificial flowers, bags and toys turned heads at the inaugural of exhibition-cum-sale organised by Maris Stella College, as the visually challenged and street children beamed with pride at the immense response given to their creations on Tuesday. They defied their handicap and proved abundantly their mettle in matching with others in matters of creativity and excellence.

The social work department of the college organised the two-day exhibition with the objective of providing an opportunity to socially disadvantaged students to showcase their works of art and sensitise other students to their capability for greater and nobler accomplishments.

Wide participation

Rehabilitated street children from SKCV Children's Trust, Deepa Niwas and Navjeevan Bal Bhavan, and the visually challenged children from Madonna School for Deaf, Care & Share Charitable Trust, World Vision, Forum for Child Rights and Child Line participated in the exhibition. "The expo has attracted attention of a great number of students. Nearly 2,000 students visited on the first day," said Saraswathi Raju Iyer, head of the department of social work, Maris Stella College.

The products put on display were hankies, wall hangings, key chains, pen stands, purses, greeting cards, bookmarks, paintings, handicrafts, woodcarvings, toys, handloom sarees, soaps, chocolates, schools bags, candles, luggage bags, sandals and books. Students of Deep Niwas showcased their innovative products like artificial flower vases and toys made of wood.

Director of Jana Sikshana Sansthan Vidya Khanna interacted with the students and spoke words of appreciation and encouragement to them. Maris Stella College principal Theresiamma and others were present.

Representatives of World Vision distributed booklets providing information on life skills education, AIDS awareness and protection of children. They presented talks on how to adopt villages for bringing about overall development in rural areas and, thereby, the growth of the country at the macro level.

Those from Child Line and Forum for Child Rights focussed on creating awareness on matters of rushing aid to children caught in dangerous situations and protecting their right to equitable development.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail