IndiaCSR News Network
BANGLORE: The Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI) organized a Cultural and Art Evening on the occasion of “International Day of Persons with Disabilities” on 3, December 2014 at CHAI Training Center, Medchal, towards dispelling the myths, misconceptions, prejudices and stereotypes about the disabled and disability prevalent in the society through the medium of dance and art.
Around 205 children and youngsters representing from different Special Schools, Regular Schools and Partner Organizations from Mahabubnagar, Warangal and Rangareddy Districts such as Lodi Multipurpose Social Service Society, Sampurna, St.Claret High School, Arogyamatha RRC, Devine word society, Heller keller School, Balavikasa special school, St.Anns High school and National Institute of Mentally Handicapped (NIMH) participated in the event.
After the inauguration, various events were held for the disabled and non disabled children including Solo Singing, Group Singing, Solo Dance, Group Dance and Painting. All the competitions were conducted simultaneously at different venues. Children and youngsters with various disabilities got an opportunity to showcase their spirit, gifts and abilities through various cultural items. Children and youngsters from various institutions, special as well as regular schools, participated in various events. Juries were nominated for making fair ranking for the different events.
After the competitions a Cultural and Art Evening was organized. In his opening remarks, Rev. Dr. Tomi Thomas IMS, Director-General, The Catholic Health Association of India, welcomed all the dignitaries as well as participants to the Cultural Evening. He briefly spoke about the work and initiatives undertaken by CHAI with regard to supporting and uplifting children and youngsters with disability. Sri. Elvis Stephenson -Honorable MLA for Minority Communities of Telangana, was the chief guest. He started his address appreciating the initiatives of CHAI.
The winners of various events from special schools then put up a splendid performance. Following the performance by children. Sri. Elvis Stephenson, Honorable MLA, Sri. E Srinivas Honorable Sarpanch Medchal distributed prizes to the winners. Mr. Isaac George, CEO-GVK industries also graced the occasion and gave away prizes to the winners of various events.
Through this event, children and youngsters with disabilities got an opportunity to showcase their talent, spirit and abilities. It provided a barrier-free outdoor experience that encourage personal growth, self-confidence, sense of independence, cooperation and communication.
The Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI) has been actively working in the field of disability rehabilitation for almost twenty years.
About Catholic Health Association of India:
Founded in 1943 by Sr. Dr. Mary Glowrey,CHAI is today one of the largest not-for-profit associations in the health sector, rendering accessible and affordable services to the marginalised in the medically underserved areas of India. CHAI has an expansive base of 3468 member institutions and treat over 21 million people in a year. CHAI’s network operates through 11 Regional Units across the country. CHAI is granted United Nations’Special Consultative Statuswith the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Learn more at www.chai-india.org.