Bhubaneswar, Dec. 3: Suranjika Mohanty, a 23-year-old college student, was blindfolded and was asked to take a walk around the railway station. She put her best efforts to keep herself steady but stumbled.

In the process, she realised the difficulties faced by people who are visually challenged.

Like Suranjika, a number of youngsters of the city were exposed to simulating exercises today to make them realise the challenges faced by differently-abled persons in their day-to-day lives.

"Although we know that people who travel face a lot of hurdles, we never try to help them nor do we realise the depth of their hardships since we have never experienced it. During the time I was blindfolded, I came to know the trauma and exhaustion it takes " said Suranjika.

A few schoolchildren were bounded to a wheelchair to simulate total immobility while the mouths of many were covered with tapes to let them experience loss of speech.

During a special session, students were made to paint using their feet and mouth.

"Youngsters must be aware of the problems faced by the differently-abled people so that they can stand up for their rights and inculcate a sense of empathy in them," said Sruti Mohapatra, and the chief executive of Swabhiman.

A number of programmes were organised all across the state. In an attempt to create awareness on the issues affecting the life of a differently-abled people, a group of college students staged a street play at CRPF Square.

An exhibition showcasing products made by differently-abled people have also been organised at the Adivasi Ground. A number of home furnishing items such as cushion covers, bed sheets, candles and lampshades made by students of a special school were displayed at the exhibition.

Pankujini Patel is hearing-impaired and has been training young girls in making crafts at the Vocational Training Centre for the Deaf for the last few years.

"I want to make differently-abled girls earn their livelihood. They are talented and we just need to give them a platform to garner their skills," Pankujini said in a sign language.

Stalls selling artificial limbs were also set up at the ground. A number of mobility and writing aids, hearing aids, cervical and spinal braces were put up for creating awareness among people about the places where authentic aids are available in reasonable prices.