JICA Alumni Association of India (JAAI) organized a cultural programme with special children at Amar Jyoti School, New Delhi on February13, 2010.  The theme was ‘Equal Opportunities and Social Integration’. The chief guest at the function was Mr. Koji Yamada, Senior Representative and Chief Administrative Officer, JICA India Office. Also present at the function were JAAI members including the Executive Body, officials from JICA India Office and eminent social workers including those residing abroad.

The programme began with lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries present on the occasion. The guests were then taken for a guided tour of the facilities at the Amar Jyoti Complex by its founder Dr. Uma Tuli. It was amazing to watch the skills that the institute has been imparting to these children. It included physical, academic as well as cultural education. Another unique feature noticed was that the boys and girls (with and without disability) were beautifully mainstreamed together.

Amar Jyoti has the magic of convergence and has always been a trail blazer in the field of rehabilitation due to their team work.The institute provides a barrier free environment to the children. The cultural programme included Swagat Gaan and stage performances on the theme of  Panch tatva (five elements that constitute the life). Watching the adorable children dressed up colourfully to perform on the stage was a novel experience indeed. The programme also included Judo demonstration by special children. All these activities by slow learners and dances on wheelchair kept everybody speechless.  The vigor with which they performed clearly demonstrated their indomitable spirit.

All the members of JICA Alumni Association of India (JAAI) felt extremely honoured for having sponsored the cultural meet where children’s performance was soul stirring and quite an eye opener for all the spectators.

The basic objective of JAAI’s gesture was to create awareness about the abilities of the disabled through their unparalleled skill on the stage as well as academics.  

The evening ended with a get-together for refreshment where the interactions were as interesting as the programme itself.