New Delhi: In view of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on December 3, 2023, Arunodaya Special School, under the patronage of RINL (Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited), hosted a special event titled 'Chalo Chalein'—a walk with and for special friends. This initiative, organized in collaboration with Friends of ARUNODAYA, a voluntary group of youngsters from RINL-VSP, aimed to promote inclusion, sensitize communities about specially-abled children, and break barriers that often lead to marginalization.
The event, held at the premises of Arunodaya Special School in Ukkunagaram, witnessed the flagging off of the 'Chalo Chalein' walkathon by Nupur Bhatt, President of Arunodaya Special School, Jyoti Balavihar & Visteel Mahila Samithi, along with DK Mohanty, Director (Commercial), RINL.
The primary objective of this unique program was to foster dignity, respect, and inclusion for children with special needs within society. Arunodaya Special School, established in 1995 under RINL’s CSR initiative, has been providing holistic rehabilitation services to children with special needs, including those with intellectual disabilities, autism, hearing problems, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome.
During the valedictory session of 'Chalo Chalein,' Atul Bhatt, CMD, RINL, commended the dedicated efforts of Nupur Bhatt and the entire team of Arunodaya Special School for their three-decade-long commitment to the well-being of specially-abled children. The chief guest and other dignitaries, staff, and students took a pledge to promote and respect persons with special needs.
DK Mohanty, Director (Commercial), RINL, expressed his appreciation for such programs, emphasizing their significance in integrating specially-abled children into the mainstream of life. He acknowledged RINL's unwavering support for Arunodaya Special School since its inception.
The event featured various activities including poster and slogan competitions on the theme "Inclusion of Children with Special Needs." Atul Bhatt and Nupur Bhatt presented prizes and certificates to the winners and participants, further encouraging active participation in promoting inclusivity.
Approximately 180 students from various schools in Ukkunagaram township, along with 40 specially-abled students from Arunodaya Special School, participated in the walkathon. Slogans like "Chalo-Chalein-Saath Chalein" (let's walk together) echoed through the township, emphasizing the importance of unity and inclusion.
/BI
