Raj Kumar of Telangana and (right) Ashok Kumar from Gwalior take part in Anjali National Children’s Festival at Adivasi Ground. Telegraph pictures

Their daily challenges range from rigid social attitude to diminished social participation and from lack of access to services to the constant fear of being exploited. However, they have braved all odds and have triumphed in the face of adversity. The differently-abled children participating at the ongoing Anjali National Children’s Festival are a prime example of sheer talent.

Talents abound

Meet Raj Kumar from Telangana. This 14-year old boy lost his forearms in an accident in 2010, but his upper arms moves swiftly and effortlessly across the canvas and he is apt at creating stunning images of nature as well as portraits.

Hailing from Telangana, Raj Kumar is not only a fine painter but is equally good in studies. Having lost his father at a tender age, Kumar’s only inspiration in life is his mother who is highly supportive of his career. He wants to become a software engineer.

Kumar says he never felt that he is handicapped. “I help my mother in the household chores and also assist my siblings in completing their homework. I am not going to limit my life for my missing arms,” said an optimistic Kumar who is currently studying in Class IX. He has been painting since he was four years old and has grabbed a number of awards at the state and national level for his painting abilities.

Ashok Kumar hails from Gwalior and is winning hearts at Anjali. He is affected by cerebral palsy, but that does not affect the 15-year old lad’s communication skills. He gets along well with everyone and has already made a lot of friends at the camp. Ashok is very good at memorising things and is an expert at providing first aid. “He is very compassionate and knows the right skills to nurse people. He is well versed with the right procedures and knows how to apply bandage to a cut,” said his caregiver, Vivek Sharma.

Ashok wants to take professional training in nursing. “When I see someone in pain, I feel bad. If given a chance, I would like to become a nurse in the future,” said the young lad.

Dedicated caregivers

While in a number of cases the differently-abled children remain uncared for and are detached from their families, 16-year old Atanu Pal is pampered by his proud parents.

Despite being autistic, his parents chose to hone his abilities rather than lamenting over his disabilities. When they came to know about his disability for the first time, his mother was extremely upset and there was no end to her cries, but his father was positive.

“His father felt that he was a blessing from god. He was happy and went on telling everyone that he has become a father of a very special child,” said Atanu’s mother Kaberi Pal, with tears in her eyes.The dedicated father also took voluntary retirement from his government service to devote his time towards the upbringing of his son. Atanu is currently studying in Class XI and has good typing speed. He takes pleasure in creating designs and helps his father in making invitation cards. “To earn some extra amount, my husband makes invitation cards for birthdays and marriages. My son is very creative and he creates innovative designs that my husband uses in making the cards,” said the elated mother.

Kaberi is extremely proud of her son. “I and my husband never thought of having another child because we felt that would affect his mental condition. Being autistic, my son is unable to mix with people and rarely speaks to us but we love him the way he is,” admits the devoted mother.

Spirit of volunteerism

Around 160 students belonging to various institutions of the state including B.J.B College, Bhubaneswar, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, OUAT, Bhubaneswar and Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal are volunteering for the festival. The volunteers have been working for the last two months, preparing and executing plans to make the festival a success.

One can witness the volunteers running around the camp and taking care of the children, sweeping the ground, ensuring that everyone is fed, listening and dealing with complaints from the participants and their escorts and attending to the guests.

They remain awake till everyone sleeps and wake up early to set the day rolling.

Gayatri Kar has been volunteering for the festival since 2009 and is currently working as a teacher in Jamshedpur. “I have taken off to attend to these special children here. All our efforts are worth it when we see their smiling faces,” said Kar.

A hub of activities

The venue of the festival, Adivasi Ground, is bustling with activities throughout the day. From art and craft to tattooing, from expert talks to watching their favourite movies, the kids have a lot to explore. In the mornings, the kids engage themselves at workshops. Workshops are being held on painting, cartooning, modern dance, craft, first aid, magic, terracotta and pottery, ventriloquism, etc. In the evenings, the kids engage in the cultural programmes. Children also enjoyed various rides that have been set up for them at one corner of the venue.