Spl screening of film ‘Sitare Zameen Par’ for special children, parents

In a unique initiative, NGO ‘Care for Autism’ organised a special screening of Amir Khan-starrer film ‘Sitare Zameen Par’ for kids with special needs and their parents. The NGO had got the entire hall booked this morning at Inox theatre in Reliance Mall here and had extended invite to the parents of children with special needs to sit together and watch the movie.

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About 110 children, their parents and some therapists came to watch the movie. Raghu Behl, Director of Care of Autism Foundation and a parent to a special child, said, “The main idea behind booking the entire hall and inviting only the kids with special needs and their parents was definitely because they could all relate to the movie and feel inspired. The movie left an emotional message for all of us to keep trying and working on our kids and to never give up.”

He maintained, “A bigger idea behind the plan was that parents of kids with special needs usually do not go to theatres with kids. During the event, the kids got a new exposure while the parents got the confidence that like other parents they too can go out and watch the movie with their kids.”

Anuradha Sharma, who came to watch the movie with her seven-year-old son Garry, said, “It was for the first time since my son’s birth that I have come to a theatre. I had no clues if Garry could sit through so long. The trainers from the NGO, who accompanied us, were a big help in making our kids remain settled throughout the show.”

Sunil Narang came to watch the movie with his son Arjun. “It was a very inspiring movie for the parents. I am not sure if Arjun understood any part of it. He is not expressive. But he certainly was a more settled child today. It was a big change in our routine to be here and to be able to enjoy with Arjun,” he shared.

Jalandhar Civil Surgeon Dr Gurmeet Lal was the chief guest on the occasion. He appreciated the initiative of the NGO and said he had noticed positive changes in the lives of children. He addressed the parents, “You all must work closely with trainers to understand and implement need-based therapy plans, which can bring about significant positive changes in such children.”

The programme began with an autism awareness ribbon-pinning activity, where the team of Care for Autism pinned ribbons on the mall visitors, distributing informative pamphlets about autism. The aim of the event was to create awareness and sensitivity towards children with special needs, particularly autism.