Special. That's what they are. And it's not an attempt to be politically correct.
Nature can never be biased by bestowing gifts called talents to only those people who have all their faculties intact, faculties which give them an undeserved air of superiority. Such talent is also seen in people who are otherwise known as 'disabled' but are all the more special due to their possession of it. When such special people are given their piece of the sun, it ought to be applauded.
The Rajaji Art And Cultural Trust For The Disabled was established in the year 2000 with an intention of providing opportunities for learning to and showcasing talent in the performing arts among the physically and mentally disabled. The activities of this organization involve training, conducting competitions and national and international award functions, world cultural tours etc. with participation completely by disabled artists.
"Samman - 2001", the 4th Lion National Awards function for the mentally handicapped, will have nearly 30 mentally handicapped artists participating, and will display their talent in music, dance and other cultural events. All the artists will be honored with the Lion Awards. There were 28 individuals and 12 teams from all over India who were the winners of Music and Dance Festival - 1999, conducted by National Institute For The Mentally Handicapped, Secunderabad.
When we contacted the chairman of this organization, Rajaji, about the awards, he gave a very heartening metaphor saying that in our National Emblem we can only see three lions and the unseen fourth lion is nothing but the talent of our disabled children which lies hidden from the common public. He says that they are trying to bring it out to show the society that when properly trained, these special children can excel in any field. These awards are a tribute to them.
Please contact Rajaji, Chairman at 339-7549 (O) and 354-6315 (R) for further details.
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