Special needs children walk tall at ILA event

Abu Dhabi - Children from the centre sang on stage and touched hearts with 'Itni Shakti Humein Dena Dataa.'

Indian Ladies Association's 'Sing for a Cause' grand finale held at the Indian Embassy auditorium on Friday evening was filled with special moments.
About 20 finalists were shortlisted across three age groups of 7-12, 13-18 and 18 above in Bollywood and Western music categories. The highlight of the evening, though, was participation of Ability Centre for Special Needs Abu Dhabi.
Children from the centre sang on stage and touched hearts with 'Itni Shakti Humein Dena Dataa.'
Mani Suri, wife Indian Ambassador to the UAE Navdeep Singh Suri, was the chief guest and said the cause of supporting intellectually disabled children was 'very close' to her heart.
"This is the main reason I am here. These children need special handling but such events help build their confidence, and their life will be brighter," said Mani, who was out on her first function.
She lauded the performance from other contestants too.
"It is nice to see how they are connected with their own culture," she said about those singing Hindi songs. "Also, those singing western songs have adapted well to the culture they have been growing up with," Mani said. "These are tomorrow's shining stars."
She noted the hard work done by ILA team. "This is a good initiative and they have taken a special effort to conduct such an event," the well-travelled lady said.
ILA president Sunita Wagle said the event was a success as it was a team effort. "We plan more events in future. Each participant is a winner in such events. I also appreciate the parents who kept encouraging their children."
The programme was held to support the Ability Centre for Special Needs in ways possible.
The Ability Centre for Special Needs official invited everyone to 'come and see other children too'.
There was a stall of craft works made by children from the centre that showed their talent and capabilities.
ILA adviser Najma said the association did a wonderful job managing the affairs and making it a special one. "It is a great honour to be part of something like this."
ILA's social welfare secretary Neelima Kumar, the person who toiled behind scenes, was exuberant. "We have put our best foot forward."
All contestants received certificates of participation and winners got gifts too.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi