PANAJI
“Laharon se darkar nauka paar nahi hoti, koshish karnewalon ki haar nahi hoti (Those who fear the storms cannot cross the seas, but those who try, shall never fail). Keep working towards your goals and a day will come when you will truly shine in the world.”
With these words, the Chairman of Kala Academy and Minister for Art and Culture, Govind Gaude lauded the children of three special schools in Goa for their wonderful cultural dance performances on Ashiyana Day at Deenanath Mangeshkar Auditorium at Kala Academy.
Gaude, who was one of the special guests invited to inaugurate the 14th edition of ‘Ashiyana Day’ event, saluted the efforts of noted Kathak artist Mamta Hussain, who choreographed the entire one-and-half-hour spectacular programme wherein the special students of New Dawn Ashadeep School (Vasco), Lokvishwas Pratishthan School (Ponda) and Sanjay School (Porvorim) performed to the best of their abilities.
“The confidence with which these children presented their art should be appreciated as it would allow them to fly high,” stated the minister, pointing out to one of the dances that gave a message that education is key to rise individually.
Gaude also thanked the Ashiyana team from Fomento Resources that has been continuing to support the children of these special schools year after year. “It is this CSR initiative of Fomento that has offered a platform to budding students who are born with a difference and have to face multiple challenges throughout their life. While there are many platforms for normal persons to perform, there are very few for children who have disabilities. Fomento Resources’ Ashiyana - ‘Tum bhi chalo, hum bhi chale’ initiative represents an inclusive effort to bring these special children into mainstream of society.”
He concluded his speech by citing a message from one of the poems penned by the ‘Elgar’ fame late Marathi poet Suresh Bhat: “Walls cannot stop me from flying, and thorns cannot stop me from walking. I am born to rise! These children of God will rise with the help of compassionate and committed dance artists like Mamta Hussain, parents, teachers, Fomento Resources and its Ashiyana team to make Goa proud on the world stage.”
