A youth along with his instructor prepares a rakhi at the Caritas Centre for Deafblind in South Goa.
PANAJI
Today is Raksha Bandhan, a much-awaited festival that celebrates the special bond between siblings. And as we celebrate this special tradition today, The Goan shines light on another heart-warming tradition -- where the creativity and determination of special children shines through.
For over 15 years now, the children of Keshav Seva Sadhana School for special children, Bicholim, have been preparing handcrafted rakhis, transforming the occasion into a showcase of their talents.
Starting the preparations in June, these children eagerly take up the task of crafting rakhis, reflecting their enthusiasm for this annual tradition. Many of them have become adept at creating intricate patterns, showcasing their growing independence.
Said Nitin Volvaikar, vocational teacher at Keshav Seva Sadhana School for special children in Bicholim, "Children gain satisfaction and happiness from independently completing rakhi patterns. Our school staff initially finalises the design, and with the help of needle, thread, and beads, students bring these designs to life. The rakhis are later exhibited in nearby schools and colleges, attracting not just well-wishers, but also garnering pre-orders."
"The process of making rakhis contributes to enhancing eye and hand coordination, as well as fine and gross motor skills," Volvaikar added.
Sidharth Kuncalienker, chairman of Sanjay Centre for Special Education, noted, "Each year, the students of Sanjay School add a special touch to Rakshabandhan by crafting rakhis, turning the occasion into something truly extraordinary. This heart-warming initiative not only nurtures their creative abilities but also instills a sense of empowerment within them."
This year, the Caritas Centre for Deafblind in South Goa also took up the initiative of making some unique hand-quilled rakhis. Young adults with Deafblindness and Multiple Disabilities along with their educators meticulously handcrafted almost 100 rakhis which are being sold through social media platforms and at the Centre for Deafblind in Margao, The rachis are priced between Rs 10 and 5, depending on the intricacy of the design.
"By making these rakhis, the young adults felt motivated to create something new, developing their concepts of money and financial independence," explained Soraya Xavier, Project Coordinator at Caritas Centre for Deafblind, South Goa, adding “This endeavor not only showcases their creativity but also serves as a means for them to learn essential life skills.”
Guruprasad Pawaskar, Goa State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, commended the longstanding tradition of students from special schools crafting rakhis which reflects the incredible talents within children with disabilities.
He emphasised, "The annual tradition of students from special schools crafting exquisite rakhis for Rakshabandhan is truly heartening. Beyond fostering creativity, these endeavours cultivate self-esteem and a profound sense of inclusion. I applaud the continuous efforts of Special Schools in empowering students and enhancing their skills, thereby establishing an impressive model for inclusion and acknowledgment of individuals with disabilities.”
As we celebrate Raksha Bandhan today, let’s us also applaud the indomitable spirit of these special children who are crafting not just rakhis, but their own pathways to empowerment and independence.
