Mangaluru: Artifacts, consumables on display and sale, stage performances to showcase prowess, teachers egging their wards with outstretched hands, well wishers and visitors applauding in appreciation, inspirational words by guests which make the crippled attempt a stride, were all part of Saanidhya Utsav-2017, a two-day fest which culminated at Kadri Park on March 5.

Delivering the chief guest’s address, “Dreams, confidence and ambitions are not crippled to stop the growth of physically challenged children in society. Many a times, parents wonder and come to the conclusion that a disabled child is a curse and start wondering about the future of the child in the event of their death. Every disabled child is handcrafted by God with a special purpose to execute His plans on earth and there is no need to feel unduly worried”, Padmashri and Arjuna awardee Malathi Holla said drawing huge applause from the select gathering.

“Disabled children should not be compared with other children, Holla advised and opined, “Life becomes more difficult for caretakers when children are mentally challenged.” “With a teacher like Shantha in the Saanidhya school ranks, hundreds of such children find comfort”, Malathi Holla said lauding the selfless sacrifice of teacher Shantha and her contemporaries in the school and elsewhere.

“Worried parents have answers for all their questions in their special children and under no circumstances girl children with disabilities be considered thorns”, physically challenged Malathi Holla advised.

Taking a bow to the teachers who serve the disabled children 24/7, Malathi Holla said, “Fulfilment in life is possible only when parents are taken care of in their old age by their children and loved ones in a society where all are disabled in a way or the other.“

Inaugurating the programme by releasing the balloons, J R Lobo, MLA, Mangalore South Constituency, said the entire society had a role to play and that the duties were not confined to special school teachers alone. He emphasised on creating awareness in the society through several programmes, fests and parents of the disabled children too deserve better share in the society, he noted.

Saanidhya Special School for Mentally Challenged had organised a two-day programme titled “Vision-2017” to showcase the talent of special children to seek support for its ongoing projects.

Sanidhya special school children enacted a Yakshagana play titled “Mahishi Moksha” and a skit titled “Amar Jawan.”

Sundara Poojary, Deputy Director ,Women and Child Welfare Department, Dakshina Kannada; Shobha, District Disabled Officer and businessman Mansoor Ahmed of Azaad Hardwares were among the guests on the occasion.

Vasanth Kumar Shetty, Administrator Saanidhya welcomed the gathering and Mahabala Marla, President, Shri Ganesha Seva Trust and Suma D’Silva, Assistant Administrator proposed the vote of thanks.