‘Need for sound civic sense to combat cerebral palsy’ : BANGALORE

"I am a normal kid, can’t they see? Why do they keep reminding me of my problems and my cerebral palsy?” These were a few lines of a poem recited by a standard 10 student Tanmayi, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at an early age.




Children with cerebral palsy at a programme to mark Cerebral Palsy Day at the Raj Bhavan in Bangalore on Sunday

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Tanmayi was among the many people with cerebral palsy who shared their experiences at a program to mark ‘Cerebral Palsy Day’ organised by the Indian Academy of Cerebral Palsy in the city on Sunday. Governor H. R. Bharadwaj, who presided , stressed on the importance of an enlightened society which needs to be aware of the challenges faced by people diagnosed with any disorder.

There may be many important people who have no understanding of the problems faced by them and as we lack this awareness in Indian society, the responsibility of addressing the problem ultimately falls on their parents, Mr. Bharadwaj said. “In a selfish world, such problems often lie unattended. Society must collectively come forward to find solutions and develop sound civic sense needs to combat cerebral palsy,” he added.

The Governor also said there was a necessity to have different kinds of institutions to cater to the needs of the students with cerebral palsy so they could avail of all required facilities. “The attitude of only admitting brilliant students in institutions is wrong. We need a better approach,” he said.

The programme had performances by a group, mainly students with cerebral palsy, displaying their talents in singing, playing instruments and a fancy dress show. While those diagnosed with the disorder spoke about their challenges, their parents put forth their ideas about dealing with these challenges.

One such parent, Thilottama Shetty, said that acceptance played a key role in moulding their future. “It is important that we accept the situation so that the society too accepts it and guides the child with the right attitude,” she said, adding that each of the children diagnosed with cerebral palsy has a talent or skill which has to be honed.



Source : The Hindu , 21st October 2013