Special Olympics Bharat, Akshay Kumar and Ramesh Dembla come together for a worthy cause

The excitement of the evening was palpable as 4000 children from across the country got together to celebrate the culmination of the nationwide signature campaign to remove the r-word (retard) and its equivalent in any Indian language removed while addressing intellectually disabled persons. The Special Olympics Bharat campaign has crossed over 11 million signatures and the highest signatures from one school so far is 98000 signatures with Bihar leading the signature campaign. After the show the campaign results will be taken to not just the Social Justice Department in Delhi but Parliament to change National Policy and ban the usage of Retard in all the languages pan India. This has already been accomplished by the Special Olympics Bharat, Area Director in UP.
 
The culmination of the signature campaign today took place in Bangalore at a grand event titled 'Be a Fan of Dignity 2010' put together by Special Olympics Bharat and Ramesh Dembla, where special Olympian children performed a heart warming skit and a beautifully composed music recital. This was followed by a glamorous fashion show by Bangalore’s favorite designer, Ramesh Dembla. He presented his collection, Nishtha (meaning dignity) where the models showcased the royal garments in the colours of the evening. The shades of Red (bravery), Black (Determination) and Gold (Pride) perfectly captured the essence of the evening. 40, very excited and special Olympian children also walked the ramp with the models and took a bow on the ramp.  The evening was attended by top dignitaries of the city and stars from the Sandalwood movie industry.
 
The decibel levels reached new heights as Director Sajjid Khan introduced Padamshree Akshay Kumar, Brand Ambassador to Special Olympics Bharat, as he walked the ramp in Ramesh Dembla’s showstopper garment with two of the Olympian superstar’s of the evening. Akshay graciously took a bow and was showered with encores, loud applauses and flowers by his ardent fans.
 
Addressing the audience, Padmashree Akshay Kumar said, “I , Akshay Kumar ban the r-word from my vocabulary. Unfortunately, intellectual disabilities are a reality for a large number of people in the world. STOP the derogatory usage of the word RETARD. It is not about being politically correct. It is about being sensitive. Join me in pledging your support to the intellectually challenged.”
 
Post the show, Fashion Designer, Ramesh Dembla said, “I am thrilled at the response the entire event has generated. This cause has become close to my heart and I will do all that I can to take this event to other cities across the country to raise awareness. I am humbled at the dedication, sincerity and hard work of the Olympian children. This was a very proud moment for all of us who have worked hard to put this together.”