Special children transcend Ramayana era, win hearts

Naina Mishra

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, April 16

The Rotary Bhawan stage was transformed into an ancient era of Ramayana, wherein children with special needs of the Nirdosh School staged the play on Monday.

Their minds may be deranged, but not their enthusiasm and interests. Decked in period costumes of Ramayana characters, the children showed ebullience backstage.

There was a subtle hint of self-satisfaction among these special children.

They staged the act through gestures, while dialogues played in the background. Special educators matched the signs with students’ gestures to help them synchronize with discourse.

“We made them practice for three months for the annual show. Each step was drilled innumerable times. Besides textbooks, these children really take interest in co-curricular activities. We try to teach them through such activities,” said special educator Mandeep Singh Brar.

Little did they know about Ramayana as a whole, but everyone knew their role in the stage act. “I am Shrupnakha, Raavan’s sister,” said Muskan Madan. “I have to throw flowers,” said another student Manubala.

Parents were proud to see their kids enact Ramayana on stage. Preeti, a parent said: “He cannot explain what Ramayan is, but does understand. He used to rehearse at home and show it to his sister. There is a change that I can sense in him now. He is active and wants to keep improving.”

Chairperson of the school Poonam Bindra said: “My appeal to all citizens of the city is to come forward and help in the rehabilitation of students who pass out from the school.”

Principal Surat Singh said: “The year 2017-18 marked many achievements in the field of sports. Students of the school got several gold, silver and bronze medals at Special Games held all over the country. Just recently, Anmol, a student of the school, was awarded a silver medal at the roller skating event held in Hyderabad.”