The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Down's syndrome children put up an uplifting show

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Mar 22, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Down's syndrome children put up an uplifting show

Meera Srinivasan

85-90 per cent of cases can be detected if pregnant mothers are screened

IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE: Students with Down's syndrome perform on the occasion of `World Down's Syndrome Day' in Chennai on Wednesday. — PHOTO: R.SHIVAJI RAO

CHENNAI : Children with Down's syndrome put up a fascinating show at the Narada Gana Sabha on Wednesday.

Organised by the Down's Syndrome Federation of India for `World Down's Syndrome Day,' the event was an impressive display of the students' creativity. Whether it was the emotive rendition of prayer song `Kurai Ondrum Illai... ' or the rendition of popular songs on the keyboard, the children gave their best and made sure the audience had a great time.

It was a delight to observe their spirit of camaraderie on stage. They danced to popular film songs and catchy folk numbers, and enacted a skit on Karna of the Mahabharata with great involvement.

The World Health Organisation describes Down's syndrome as a condition where the presence of an extra chromosome in the cells interferes with the normal development of the brain, leading to mental retardation.

Persons with Down's syndrome can be recognised by their appearance, which is characterised by up-slanting eyes and flat bridge of the nose. One in every 800 newborns has Down's syndrome.

Director of Mediscan S. Suresh said the condition could be diagnosed in foetuses between the 11th and 14th week of conception. He urged all pregnant mothers to have the screening done. Mediscan was planning to set up a `One Stop Clinic for Assessment of Risk' (OSCAR) that would offer the facility. "About 85 to 90 per cent of cases can be detected in the screening," he added.

Down's Syndrome Federation of India president Rekha Ramachandran said, "Sensitising parents is the challenging task. We need good support structures that will help them bring up their children. The child is the least of our problems. Given the right therapy, every Down's syndrome child can shine beautifully." After the show, Rajaji's lines `Kurai Ondrum illai... ' lingered as one left the auditorium.

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