Bhubaneswar, Oct. 8: Ajay, a 26-year-old youth suffering from Down's syndrome, performs all household chores on his own, apart from earning for his family and helping many other like him lead enabling lives.

The story of Ajay's life, put to screen by film-maker Rajni Ratnaparkhi, inspired audience at the We Care Film Festival that concluded in the city today. Around 22 documentaries on disability were showcased at the two-day festival.

The films screened at the festival delivered messages, along with depicting the struggles of differently-abled persons who have turned disabilities into their strongest skills.

A documentary on Virender Singh, India's accomplished deaf athlete, portraying his journey from a small village of Haryana to his quest to reach the Rio Olympics 2016 was appreciated. Titled, Goonga Pehelwan, the 43-minute film by Shilpi Saluja grabbed eyeballs.

Aaina, a social organisation, in collaboration with Brotherhood, an organisation in New Delhi, organised the festival that is in its fifth edition this year.

"We aim to create awareness about disability through the medium of films and to foster integration by spreading the message of an inclusive society," said Aaina's founder secretary Sneha Mishra.

Another documentary by Deepa Jain on sign language used by hearing-impaired children was also appreciated. The story of 18-year-old Sunder Singh of Imphal was one to reckon. The film showcases how the little boy passes Class X by writing with his feet.

Around 20 short documentary films screened at the festival are by young film-makers from Odisha. A short film Achinhaa by Kalyaniya Debasish Dash from Puri garnered praises at the festival.

"Through the film I wanted to create an understanding among fellow citizens regarding disability and encourage others to bring inspiring tales by differently-abled people to the fore," said the film-maker.

Students from colleges across the city also took part in a poster-making competition. They drew various themes related to disability.

The documentaries touched a chord and drew admiration from the viewers. "Films are a strong medium of communication. While there have been several campaigns through leaflets and paperwork to increase awareness on disability, these documentaries help in reaching the mass faster and more effectively," said Subhadarshini Mishra, a college student, who attended the festival.