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Smiling actions with `Muskaan'
FROM A small garage in Kalkaji to its own premises in Vasant Kunj, Muskaan, a parents' association for the welfare of children with mental handicap, has travelled a long way. It was started with two children in the year 1997, and now 60 mentally challenged boys and girls are engaged in various activities here.
"We want to make these children self-sufficient individuals by giving them vocational training in various units and work centres," says Nisha Kukreja, Vice President of Muskaan.
The children are trained in activities like making masalas, stationery, greeting cards, candles and diyas, besides block printing and computer skills among others. Muskaan started under the guidance of Dr. I. C. Verma, former head of the genetics department at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. "We met at different places, and later parents of these children joined hands for their empowerment," Kukreja says, adding, "The production unit has started functioning here. The donations and revenue from sales generate our resources. We stand united at all times - be it at prayers, Yoga or exercises."
Dr. Shanti Auluck, President of Muskaan, echoes the same thought. "The success of these students inspires and guides us all the time," she says. "It was their struggle that made it possible for Muskaan to raise resources and overcome innumerable hurdles to create our own space ultimately in March 2004."
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