Inmates of Shishu Sarothi prepare earthen lamps for Diwali. Picture by Eastern Projections

Sept. 27: Nimble little hands have been working diligently for the past two months to decorate artistically earthen lamps for Diwali.

All this hard work put up by Simi Kalita and her friends at Shishu Sarothi, a city-based centre for rehabilitation and training for multiple disabilities, has reaped very good rewards. Of the 25,000 earthen lamps decorated by the children, more than 8,000 were sold within three days of Shishu Sarothi putting up the lamps for sale.

“The response is pretty good. We have already sold a large numbers of lamps decorated by our children to several women-based organisations and departmental stores in the city. Many people are making enquiries about the lamps. We hope to sell our stock pretty fast,” said Meera Kagti, director of Shishu Sarothi.

“The main motive in engaging children for lamp decoration is to showcase their creativity and ability to the world. Although they are mentally challenged, I must say that they are no less talented than normal children,” she added.

The non-profit organisation, working for the benefit of children with multiple disabilities arising from cerebral palsy and other birth defects, had introduced “lamp decoration” in 2001 as part of its vocational training curriculum.

Children of the centre are also whole-heartedly involved in making napkins, paper bags, envelopes, ceramic paintings, bookmarks, greeting cards and wall paintings. They are also adept at gardening.

Monika Das, who teaches the children handicrafts at Shishu Sarothi, said: “It gives me immense pride that the lamps decorated by the children are in great demand and we have already sold several.”

“Most of these children are artistically inclined and learn the art quite fast. Engaging them in different forms of art and crafts has a therapeutic value and helps to cure their disability to a great extent,” Das added.

Established in 1987, the centre has 80 children at present. It has also served and counselled around 500 children in its out service department till date.

The other services at the centre include a diagnostic clinic, a special education cell, a baby clinic, a vocational training cell and an advocacy department. It also provides outdoor services for spastic children at regular intervals.

“Whenever a customer buys our product, he or she immediately joins our endeavour to provide a dignified life to these children,” said Kagti. “Lamp designing is an important part of our fund-raising effort. We hope more people will join us.”

“These lamps are really beautiful,” said Bhawana Pandey, a housewife, while admiring the ones on display at Shishu Sarothi today. She has bought three packs of lamps for Diwali.

“Looking at these lamps, no one can say that the makers have any kind of disability. Their skills in art and crafts make these children really special. I wish them all the best for future,” she added.