Special kids steal the show

NAGPUR: Little kids dressed as beautiful fairies, butterflies and mythological characters strutted their stuff on the stage. The older ones performed skits, songs and dances, one even played the tabla. The difference being, all this was done by 'special' children who had gathered on the occasion of World Cerebral Palsy Day at the Institution of Engineers Hall, North Ambazari Road.
The audiences broke into loud cheers as Dr. G Shashikala introduced herself as a proud parent of a child affected by cerebral palsy who has never felt shy of her son's condition. She insisted that just because a small area of the brain stops working, these kids in no way are inferior to others.
Citing the examples of several achievers with the condition who went on to become successful and independent professionals, the organisers tried to instill confidence in the parents and children.
An inspiring success story was scripted by Parimal Lokhande when he entered the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Ahmadabad. His father, Mukund Lokhande, beamed as he flipped through a collection of his son's photographs. "We never discouraged Parimal from doing anything. I am proud of the glory he has brought us," said Lokhande.
"One should be extremely patient while dealing with such kids. Believe in your child's ability, but understand his limits," said Malti Gupta, whose son is an engineering student.
The Pidadi family from Amravati shifted to Nagpur to avail of the better treatment for their daughter Noopur. Today, at 18, she has cleared the SSC examinations with the help of a writer. "When we thanked him, Sunil Chavatekar, the writer, said he wouldn't have done the same had she been his sister," recollected Noopur's emotional mother.
Her namesake, Noopur Deshpande from Mumbai, was a part of the dance team. Rajesh Deshpande said, "My child could not walk at that time. Today, she can walk, run and even perform on stage." He claimed that all other kids in her class and teachers have been understanding and helpful."
Collector Pravin Darade, too, came with a message for the parents. "All of you are carefully chosen by God for your courage and patience to take care of some of His special messengers," he said.