Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Pics: Arul, Crystal Studio, Shirva

Udupi, Nov 14: "It is the dream of every parent to have a healthy child. However, sometimes, children are born with intellectual disabilities. In such cases parents accept them as gift of God. Creating future for special children is the responsibility of the society. The role of society in the care of specially-abled children is very significant," said district in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj, on the occasion of two-day state-level seminar on 'Intellectual disabilities', organized as part of bi-decennial celebration of Manasa Rehabilitation and Training Centre, Pamboor on Friday, November 10.

He further said, "Special children need scientific training and their future has to be shaped by providing supplementary information from different parts of the world. They are hope of their parents. Manasa School is offering this noble service, which is more pleasing to God, than offering prayers at temples. The institution will reap rich benefits of their service to these children."

Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, bishop of Mangaluru diocese, in his presidential address said, "I inaugurated this institution 20 years back, today I feel privileged to participate in its bi-decennial celebration. Bringing all people of the society together is a service of god. Manasa is doing this extremely well by taking care of people of the weaker section of society, disabled people and those who are neglected by the society under one roof." He blessed and wished the institution all the best.

The programme was organized in association with Catholic Sabha Udupi and Mangaluru.

On the second day of seminar, on Saturday, November 11, during the occasion of Founder's day Ceremony, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo of Udupi Diocese said, "none of the parents want to have disabled child. But we can see such children in some cases. It is not their fault. If we considered them an asset, everything will be alright. Every child is a reflection of God. He is the creator; he has created special children with some good purpose in mind. When we accept such special skilled children as the gift of God, then there is no space to negative thoughts."

"If we nurture them as good citizens, God will definitely bless them. Nowadays public is aware of needs of special children. The thought process has changed. Earlier there was a superstitious belief in people that ‘defective children are born because of the sins of our ancestors or it is a curse," he added.

He futther stressed, "One should recognize the skills of special children and encourage them. There are examples of differently-abled children getting medal in Sports. Every special child is blessed with some skill. Poor people in society can be classified as financially poor, educationally poor, poor by heart and poor in good behavior. The special children are can perform like others, though they some hindrances. According to a research special children can be doctors like normally-abled people. The point of view has been changing and it is really a good sign."

Recollecting the days of Mother Teresa, the bishop said, "Her thoughts are still relevant. There is a saying that, 'Loving other is true service' Jesus is the inspiration for service. This institution belong to all religions and not one community. Let this institution may emerge as one of the model institution in India."

"This is a very meaningful programme organized to mark the bi-decennial celebration. I hope this institution is considered the very best special school in our State. The teachers of this institution are rendering their service and forming life and discipline of the special children. Humanity is a character of humans, without humanity in an individual, there is no difference between human being and animal. Manasa School is known for its best service and sacrifices. I have never seen such an advanced special school earlier," said Vinay Kumar Sorake, MLA, Kaup constituency.

He added, "I and my family have been celebrating my birthday with special children since few years. In modern era, there is need to give extra care to their development. Let all dreams may come true and let this school develop to University level."

Ivan D’Souza, MLC and chief whip Karnataka Legislative council addressing the Father’s day closing ceremony said, "Teachers of Manasa are imparting education to special children by providing all needed guidelines. They are also providing skill training."

“It is the government’s responsibility of providing facilities and bringing those to mainstream of the society who are not able to lead normal life. It is also mentioned in the Constitution of India. The institution is doing the government’s job. There are five lac special children in the state, but do not have sufficient number of school. Everyone is talented, but they need encouragement. I will give my possible support and will try to release funds from the government,” he promised.

Seven important resolutions were passed on the basis of the outcome of the seminar on the first day session’s which were read by Vincent Alva.

A MoU copy was exchanged by Suma Nair of Manipal University and Henry Menezes regarding setting up of research and development center.

The institution wants to complete three major projects like building the data center, autism center and RnD center.

Eminent psychiatrist P V Bhandary described the features of autism and its treatment to the gathering.

Maria Jyothi, retired principal, St Agnes Special School, Mangaluru and Dr P V Bhandary, psychiatrist and director of A V Baliga Group of Institutions were felicitated on the occasion for their remarkable achievements and service.

Trustees, donors, retired principals, and teachers were honoured on the occasion for their dedicated service. Dr P V Bhandary symbolically launched autism center project, Sorake launched the data center and Suma Nair launched the RnD project design.

A souvenir was also released on the occasion, edited by Gerald Pinto.

Albun D’Souza, on behlf of Shirva Welfare Association, handed over a cheque of Rs 18,12,625 to the institution.

A state level seminar was held on the first day on November 10, on the theme of ‘Every Child is born to win: Are we doing enough for our Special Children?’

There was paper presentation on various topics, panel session and alumni meet programme on the first day.

Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, spiritual director, Catholic Sabha, Udupi Pradesh, Anil Lobo, president, Catholic Sabha Mangaluru, Henry Menezes, managing trustee, MRTC Pamboor, Joseph Nororha, secretary, programme organizing committee, Sr Ancialla Fernandes, principal, MSS, Pamboor were present.

Elroy Kiran Crasto, chairman, programme organizing committee, welcomed the gathering.

Alwyn Quadros and Flavia Menezes compered the programme.