R-Day celebrations at Samarthanam

'Differently abled are the real VIPs'

Confession: How many of us really celebrate Republic Day? You don't have to answer, but we know, that the answer is, very few. Here is a rare example of disabled people of the Samarthanam Charitable Trust celebrating Republic Day with genuine patriotic fervour.
The programme began in traditional style with a vocational song and welcome address by PK Swamy, Director, National Advocacy, who recalled the efforts made by our leaders in the past and said that it is our duty and responsibility to pay our respects to them.
The differently abled children should lead a ethical and disciplined life, and work shoulder to shoulder with others, for a bright future for themselves and the country, he said.
Samarthanam Trust provides free education, food, lodging and health care to the disabled children in the proportion of 60% visually impaired and 40% differently abled children.
The welcome address was followed by a song by Banumathi, Samarthanam's Emerging Latha Mankeshkar, and a felicitation of the trust's special children by Vasantha, trustee.
Mahantesh, the managing trustee, handed over prizes to the winners at the Republic Day parade at the Brigade Road parade grounds, that was presided over by His Excellency, Sri Rameshwar Thakur, the Governor of Karnataka. The participating team was headed by Subbaraidu.
Addressing the gathering, Mahantesh said it was a great pleasure to receive the trophy for winning the second place in the parade, and said the children had proved that disability was not in them, but only in the description. Samarthanam believes in education, empowerment and opportunity for the differently abled, he said. He also recalled that with the help of the previous government Samarthanam was able to get allotment of land at HSR layout for its own building which would come up within the next two years.
This Week Bangalore Publisher Kishore Joseph confessed that he felt momentarily insecure when he saw the differently abled children giving a presentation on their PC, and operating computers with an expert hand. These children are the real VIPs, he declared, to a thumping reception.

l Kennady Santhakumar, BJP Minority Morcha leader, expressed his happiness at the work done by Samarthanam and said it should continue to work for the cause of the underprivileged children drawing inspiration from great souls like Mother Teresa.
One of the well-wishers who was present was so moved by the performance of the children that he announced a donation of 15 PCs to them.
The Republic Day celebration was particularly special for birthday boys Jayaprakash and Vikram, both of them visually impaired, who cut their birthday cake on the occasion.

To support the Trust's activities, call: 9448365929,  Email mahantesh@samarthanam.org/. Address : # 11, Villa Suchita, 1st Cross, 17th 'A' Main, behind Giri Apartments, JP Nagar, 2nd Phase, Bangalore - 560078. or visit www. samarthanam.org