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For the 70-odd students of
HAL’s Vathsalya School for Special Education, the memories of this
Diwali will stay in their hearts for a long time. Giving them
company was former international athlete Ashwini Nachappa.
These children, suffering from cerebral palsy, autism and associated
disabilities, put up a spirited show in the company of Ashwini and
other senior HAL officials. “These children are special gifts from
God. This Diwali is special for me as I am celebrating it with
them,” Ms Nachappa said.
The kids also exhibited their skills in making pouches, woollen
items, greeting cards, chalks and paper bags. “HAL is committed
towards its corporate social responsibilities and these children
have time and again proved that they are second to none,” HAL’s
Director Personnel, Mr Sanjeev Sahi, said. Later, Ashwini
distributed sweets and sparklers to all the children, teachers and
support staff.
Beyond vocational training, the school provides
services like early intervention, a stimulative programme for
pre-school children, therapeutic intervention for children with
different behaviour, family therapy for family members of a special
child, food and nutrition programme for needy children and job
training and employment opportunities for young adults belonging to
the mild and moderate category. Former students of the school have
excelled in Special Olympics and other activities.
Diwali exhibition: A small team of from Vathsalya conducted a
special Diwali exhibition – titled ‘Abhiman’ - of their products
including foot rugs, chalks, paper bags, pouches and greeting cards
at HAL Corporate Office on October 18 from 11 am to 2 pm. The
exhibition was inaugurated by HAL Chairman Mr Ashok K. Baweja.
Paraplegic athlete Malathi Holla and danseuse Padmaja Suresh were
among the visitors to the exhibition. The entire products were sold
out within a few hours.
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