Tamana Celebrates World Disability Day
Be Happy, Be Proud and bewhat you are!
World Disability Day, celebrated on 3rd of December every year is a day to celebrate, not only the existence of specially-able children but also the happiness that we come across in our daily life. One World News celebrated this day with beautiful souls and students of Tamana: A non-profit organization working towards the purpose of helping the cause of mentally challenged, disabled and autistic individuals.
The moment we entered the school, we were surrounded by students welcoming us with the heartiest smiles and loads of love and excitement. Looking at them dancing, singing and playing with each other was literally a treat to our eyes and we experienced a joy that we have never felt before. Tamana has three different schools- NaiDisha, Tamana Special School and School of Hope, and each of them celebrated the day in their own way, spreading a message clear and out loud- Be Happy, Be Proud and Be What you are!
If NaiDisha celebrated with spiritual music, Bollywood solo and group dance etc. then their special school made sure that every student participated in everything that they did. This special school also has normal students who are economically backward and their motive behind it is to bridge the gap between the special children and the usual lot.
Whereas the School of Hope, which exclusively deals with Autistic children showed a video of a fashion show where the students walked with eminent designers.
One World News had an opportunity to speak to Dr. ShayamaChona, President of Tamana. “Disability is not to be pitied. We celebrate what we are and it’s a celebration of each individual. We want each day to be important for every child of ours and I am sure if they are doing well today, they will also do well tomorrow. However, if they cannot do well, then they have to understand that life isn’t in their hands so cherish what you have.”
She also announced on this special day, that she would be making a Computer Centre for them and also would introduce more vocations in the school.
”So, it’s a year of celebration for us, we want to make this school as good as DPS and why not.” She adds.
Speaking on how she feels about the media’s role in spreading awareness about disability, Dr. Chana said, “Media can play a very important role by bringing out the success story however it is sad to see that the mainstream media is not so keen to do any story until and unless there is involvement of a known personality. Why not have columns for programs that are happening for the disabled children? If you want party time, we have it here as well and the experience would be much more touching and happening.”
Ms. Chana also agreed to the fact that the audiences have been more enlightened about the disability and in recognizing their specially-abled children after Bollywood has taken steps to talk about such issues. She also believes that there should be encouragement for making movies on such topics as it helps in raising awareness about the issue.
“There is a traditional set thought for specially-abled children which sort of gives them a low positioning in the society. Parents feel embarrassed about their child’s public presence, so if the family is not supportive then the growth of the child gets slower. Yes, it is difficult but one should make their children believe that THEY ARE THE BEST, VERY HAPPY, CAN DO EVERYTHING ON THEIR OWN and NOT LESS THAN ANYONE ELSE. It’s important to be as excited about them as you would be for a normal kid. Also, when we look into the work that’s been done for these children, we realize that our country is really slow on it as there is no one interested to celebrate with our students.”
A lot of parents even in this time when the technology has developed so much are not able to accept their child’s condition. Speaking on the same, Dr. Chona concluded saying, “For parents all I would like to say is to accept the situation and don’t hold yourself responsible for the condition of the child because it’s a mystery. Think that it’s a gift you’ve been chosen for and cherish and take care of it in the best possible way. The joy of giving to that individual is immeasurable, so don’t get disheartened and turn them into something useful for yourself and your mother. Start working on it and get them to a working mode as each single day is important. Things are improving in our world and they would get more opportunities.”
Neel Kamal Paney, OneWorldNews
