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Here's a reason to rock

Coimbatore sways for the cause of spastic children

PHOTO: M.PERIASAMY

THE RIGHT STEPS For charity

The atmosphere at Dr. GRD College of Science was charged with hard rock music but no one seemed to complain about the noise or the late hour as they swayed rhythmically to the beats.

For, Coimbatore rocked hard for charity with ROCK 4'C, a fundraiser organised by Ashirwad, a school for disabled children.

ROCK 4'C is the pet project of Prema. V. Joseph and J. Vijayakumar, trustees of Coimbatore Spastic Trust, who want to create awareness about cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome and spastic children.

They have around 60 children in their school and finance is a problem. "Through this programme, we hope to raise enough funds to provide students better facilities," says Prema, who feels this event will help attract public attention and also inform the public about the problems faced by spastic children.

This non-alcoholic, non-smoking event started with a breathtaking dance performance by `Footloose', Edwin's Dance School, where tiny tots matched steps to popular English and Tamil numbers. VJ Gibran of SS Music kept the crowd entertained with fun and games and friendship bands were gifted to many in the audience.

DJ Carle of Cedees Pujak in RS Puram kept the crowd dancing to popular Hindi numbers like Bin Tere Sanam, Woh Lamhe and other hit songs till their feet were crying out for some rest.

Several students of Ashirwad, who were at the venue, clapped and cheered the dancers. Akshara, who was bed-ridden when she joined the school six years ago, is now able to walk without help.

She hopes to join in the fun and games next year and perform a dance item too.

As the event came to a close, it was time to pamper the taste buds. A delicious buffet with vegetarian and non-vegetarian specialities was spread out.

But, the event was much more than just fun and games. Thanks to a short film by Surya of S Studio (in co-operation with the Bank of India), the audience was given an insight into the lives of spastic children.

At the end of the evening, it looked like the message had reached the audience. "Most of us had the wrong notion that spastic children are mentally handicapped. This event was an eye-opener. All they need is our help and encouragement," said Vinodh, a student of GRD College.

KEERTHI MOHAN

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