“EMBOLDEN” at FMMC showed talents of Specially-Abled Children

Mangaluru: To bring about a change in the mindset of society to provide a platform for the promotion of specially-abled children and to integrate them into mainstream society, the Department of Physiotherapy Father Muller Medical College celebrated the Father Muller Charitable Institution’s sponsored annual cultural event “EMBOLDEN “ on account of World Down Syndrome Day. The program exhibited the myriad talents of these special children through a cultural bonanza. 18 special schools in and around Dakshin Kannada and Udupi districts took part in the cultural event.

Drawing and colouring completions were conducted and the winners were awarded cash prizes. 250 students took part ar various cultural programs and enjoyed themselves with dance music and a lot of other entertainment. EMBOLDEN was Co-sponsored by Mangalore Round Table 115, Mangalore Coastal Round Table 190 a Unit of Round Table India, Mangalore Ladies Circle 82 a Unit of Ladies Circle India, Canara Bank, Bharat Gas, Techno Health, Medilife, Venus Diagnostics, Sarvasiksha Abyana, Just Cake, and Zuventus Health Care.

The valedictory program began at 3 pm at the Father Muller Convention Centre. The event was presided by Rev Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho director FMCI, Ms Lizba Deepak, International Special athlete as the chief guest, Rev Fr Ajith B Menezes Administrator FMMC, Dr Antony Sylvan Dsouza Dean FMMC, Prof Cherishma D’Silva Head of the Department of Physiotherapy, and Mrs Anupama K organising Secretary were the dignitaries on the Dais.

Mrs Anupama welcomed the gathering, which was then followed by felicitation of the chief guest Ms Lizba for all her national and international achievements and also to be working as a chef at Courtyard Marriot Bangalore. Ms Lizba addressed the gathering on how she climbed the ladder of success in spite of being a special child with Down’s syndrome, facing all the odds. She mentioned dedication and practising every day is the key. Director Rev Fr Richard delivered the presidential address and appreciated Dept of Physiotherapy for this noble event and also appreciated the talents of the children.

Father Muller Health Card was given freely to all the children present. The health card has the benefits of free consultation, and a 50 per cent discount on all investigations and procedures. Rev Fr George Jeevan Sequeira and Rev Fr Nelson Dheeraj Pais symbolically released the health cards by handing them over to the special children.

A token of appreciation was given to all the sponsors, MRT 115 chairman Tr Haron Fernandes, MLC82 chairperson Cr Monisha Lobo, MCRT 190 Tr Vikyat, Bharat Gas Territory Manager Mr Bivas and representatives from all the Co sponsors present. Prof Cherishma delivered the vote of thanks and thanked the management, staff, teachers and children from all the special schools for being part of today’s program.

All the schools were given mementoes and certificates of participation. Each child received a school bag that was sponsored by the Canara Bank FMCI branch. The bag consisted of books, sketch pens, and many other stationary items along with tiffin boxes that were sponsored by Round table India and Ladies Circle India.

EMBOLDEN concluded with the national anthem and refreshments were served to all. It was well appreciated. The masters of the ceremony for the day were Mr Ancel, Ms Shipali and Ms Pearl the students of the Physiotherapy Department.