Events
Special children celebrate Christmas in a very special way in Bellary
BELLARY, 18 DEC 2023:

Over 250 special children differently abled celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities along with Christmas on December 18 at St Anthony Community Hall, Bellary.

The programme was organized by the Bellary Diocesan Commission for the Physically Challenged with Sr Franzina SJC, as chairperson and Sr Loveena AC, as Secretary.

Special children from Anugraha Special School, Nava Jeevana Rehabilitation Centre for the Differently Abled, Chenga Reddy School for Mentally Impaired, Government School for Blind and Deaf, MC Ashram by MC Sisters and MC Ashram by MC Brothers actively collaborated.

The program was inaugurated by Ms. Vijayalaxmi, President, Ballari District Children’s Welfare Committee, Mr Vijayumar KH, Deputy Director, Women & Children Welfare Dept –Ballari, Mr Govindappa HM, Welfare Officer of Persons with Disabilities and Elderly.

Fr O. Vincent, Vicar General and Fr Ivan Pinto, PRO, were the guests of honour.

Bishop Henry D’Souza presided over the programme. Lauding the yeomen services done by the institutions I for the differently abled in Bellary, Bishop congratulated the sisters and the staff for their “dedicated and selfless service”.

Remembering the words of Jesus he quoted from the Holy Bible, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. - For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

“All human beings, whether normally abled or specially abled, are created by the same God in equal dignity and honor. Therefore, all children, especially those coming from economically poor and socially backward situations, deserve greater respect and care”, added Bishop D’Souza.

Bishop Henry D’Souza thanked the Children’s Welfare Committee of Ballari District and Women & Children Welfare Department of Ballari for their cooperation and support in caring for the special children.

Thereafter, special children from the above stated institutions presented excellent stage programmes to the thunderous applause of the audience. The climax of the programme was the Christmas Tableau presented by the Nava Jeevana special children.

Each year on December 3rd, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. The day raises awareness of the political, economic, social and cultural aspects disability affects people around the world.

The United Nations Charter reaffirms that the full and complete realization of the human rights of all persons with disabilities is an inalienable, integral and indivisible part of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Congratulations to the Bellary Diocesan Diocesan Commission for the Physically Challenged for the well organized and superbly presented programme, which was indeed joyful and colourful!