The Canara High School Ground at Dongerkeri in Mangalore witnessed a unique festival for differently-abled people in the form of Vishishtarigagi Vishishta Mela which was organised by Asha Jyothi, a forum for physically challenged on January 22.
Sewa Bharati Trustee Dr UV Shenoy said though the government is announcing many schemes, the institution has not received any government help and it is being run with the help from donors. The function began with a procession from Loyola Hall at St Aloysius PU College to the venue at Canara High School. Corporation Bank Chairman and Managing Director Ajai Kumar inaugurated the fest and opined that the differently-abled people required encouragement and not sympathy.
Speaking on the occasion, State Rajyotsava award winner Sabita Monis, who does not have both hands, said differently-abled people require support from others. “The fact that we are challenged is not a curse, but instead it helps us to show what all talents we have with us,” she said.
Mayor Praveen Kumar, Zilla Panchayat president Shailaja Bhat and Innerwheel District Chairman Swarna Chitharanjan were also present at the inaugural function. Rajyotsava award winner Sabita Monis, Special Olympics winners Pramila Pinto, Dhanya Rao, Roy Pinto, Anil Mendonca and their trainers Mahesh, Lakshminarayana Upadhyaya, Narayan S and Vasanth S were felicitated on the occasion.
(FOC)
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