The arena was buzzing with action, the stage was set to greet many families, some old and many new. The second edition of Abhivyakti was gaining its final momentum.

Tanvi was prancing around the arena with that big smile on her face, racing towards her mother Bharathi, who happened to be one of organizers for the event. “She is so excited about her dance performance”, said Bharthi, and true to that her feet were singing with excitement.This year’s theme at Abhivyakthi was an ode to the talents of individuals with Downs syndrome. There were singers, dancers, fashonistas, you name a talent and you could spot them all getting ready to have their grand moment on stage. The big grand moment to showcase their many hidden talents to the world. Disability was not going to come in their way.

While the performers were getting ready for their gig, food stalls were being set up with delectable delicacies to tempt the audience with their wares. The mouth-watering aroma wafting from them – Shiva’s doughnuts from Sanjos, the savory snacks and Kshitij’s cool nimbu paani, and not to mention the Kulfiwala’s kulfis stood out as the cherry on top of the cake.

The window shopper in most started to get distracted by spotting lovely key chains made out of beads, craftily made by Phanindra and the lovely jute bags designed by Teja.  The wide range of products displayed in the many stalls were a testament of every individual’s creative expression.

Pranav was selling organically grown medicinal plants, organic fertilizers and insecticides from the nursery he runs with his mother. The siblings and friends of the differently-abled were just as determined to show their support and had set up photo booths, artistic balloon making stalls and craft corners to tease the creative instincts out of the passer-by. It was a common sight to see kids playing with balloon swords and animal forms at the arena, clearly having a lot of fun in the process.

While the arena was buzzing with these activities, the large canvas of the art gallery was adorned by the paintings done by Kedhar, Sri Harsha, Krishna Pranav and Tanay. It was a different world where words were being beautifully conveyed with the stroke of a paintbrush.

The stage performances started after the chief guests were felicitated by the children. The dignitaries who graced the event include Ms. Sridevi Prasad from Shankar foundation, and Mr. Ramajoga Rao from Parivaar, who were the honorary chief guests for this event. Other dignitaries who joined in for an evening of fun with the children were IAS officer Ms. Hari Chandana  Dasari (Zonal comissioner GHMC), Prashanth(actor) and Mr.Hari Babu (Sai Krishna Teja foundation).

The presenters Sahana, Spruha and Karthick were truly awesome, shining throughout the event with confidence and motivating the participants on stage with their words. The love and pride for their sibling/mama came through loud and clear when they walked the ramp with them at the fashion show.

Eyes were glued on the stage during the dance performances. The performances started with the very talented V.N.Divya’s Bharatnatyam recital, whose passion for the art shined through by the impact it had on the audience.

Nihar,  Pearl, Sejal and others from Shankar foundation gave a memorable tribute to veteran actor Sridevi, with their fabulous dance performances. They had the audience tapping their feet in rhythm by the end of the night.

Satya and group from Ashayam gave a powerful rendition of the fervour and festivities of the annual Bonalu celebrated throughout Telangana, with the quintessential number “Myadhari mysammo….”

It was an emotional experience when the little fashionistas, the boys and girls walked the ramp either by themselves or accompanied by their parent/sibling, in their carefully picked costumes.

The Youth For Seva(YFS) volunteers helped carry the show forward smoothly by serving as the happy helpers of the event organizers. YFS youngsters left their mark of support at the registration desks, on stage while decorating it, in the arrangement of the food stalls, or setting up of the chairs for the eager audience. The spirit and enthusiasm of the kids were compounded by the air of celebration contributed by the YFS team. Age truly was no bar tonight, as we all celebrated our inner child as one truly inclusive team.

What started as an idea among a group of like-minded mothers has now garnered more supporters, increasing the parent group number to almost double its capacity since the event last year.

The icing on top of the cake was when well-wishers, no way related to special needs, approached parents and shared their appreciation. Many of them were genuinely impressed by the event and were looking to volunteer for the next event. This gave a sense of hope to many care-givers in their quest for an inclusive and happy society for their children. What an ideal way to spend a wonderful Sunday evening.

Last but not the least, sponsors for the show include Synchrony Financials, India Cements, Organeek,  Farm2fridge and Ancient Living, whose generosity made the event a reality. A big shout-out to the wonderful team of mothers, aunts, sisters of children/young adults who made this possible.  It is not typical that a group of volunteers can come together and put up an event of this scale which had participation of 80 individuals and audience of 700.

Nayi Disha hopes that the joy and excitement that was reflected in each of the performances will inspire other parents to further nurture the talents of their children. Events like these are a reminder for all of us to recognize and respect the identity and abilities of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To end with a beautiful quote by Robert M. Hensel – “There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more…” 

Adios Abhivyakthi, till we meet next year.

A big shout-out to Kiruthika Srinivasan, one of our parent champions, for writing this article and helping us spread the inspiration and joy.