Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Apr 5:
Red Cross Sahaya celebrated World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 in a unique manner in Hotel Dwarka, at Cuttack . In a fun- filled cultural programme, the autistic children music group, comprising of three singers and a tabla player was launched under much fanfare and cheering.
Stalwart classical singers Sangita Gosain and Maheshwar Rao were among the guests. A special facebook account APA-Autism and Performing Arts, www.facebook.com/autismandperformingarts , was also opened which will be a bridge for culturally active autistic children to connect from all over the world. 30 Autistic children participated in this grand function.
Famous neurologist Maya Gantayet interacted with parents on the know- hows of understanding and nurturing of their differently challenged children without losing hope. The District Social Security officer of Cuttack and the District Project Coordinator of Sarva Sikhya Abhijan were also present in the function.
Red Cross Sahaya, has been working diligently at behavior modification through performing arts from 1991 with these children for the last 2 decades . Mentally challenged and autistic children form the Sahaya drama troupe and have performed in normal functions and festivals in international and national level bringing back laurels.