Differently-abled girls steal the show

NEW JERSEY: A number of stalwarts from the field of dance, music and literature took to stage at the World Gujarati Conference 'Chaalo Gujarat' in Edison, New Jersey, last weekend.Yet, the show stealers were 13 differently-abled girls from Manthan - Apang Kanya Seva Sankul, Kalol - who received standing ovation for their extraordinary dance.
Their superbly choreographed dance sequences based on garba and Ambaji's aarti had the girls performing beda garbo, gof, tipanni and diva nrutya.This not only moved many from the audience to tears but also inspired Gujaratis to donate liberally. Donations amounting to $40,000, including $10,000 in cash, were pledged with one of the donors giving away $1,000 each to the 13 girls.
The girls performed with the help of calipers, which they have been able to wear after undergoing surgery. The girls who found it difficult to stand even with the support of calipers, sat and performed. Two girls, who could not undergo surgery as they are completely disabled from the waist down, put up an enchanting act with the help of only their hands.
The group from Manthan had proved their abilities earlier too at the World Gujarati Conference 2006. This year, nine of the 13 girls had travelled to the US for the first time.